Rubella Immunisation

Rubella (german measles) is usually a mild illness causing a fever and a rash. However, it can cause serious damage to the unborn child of a pregnant woman. Rubella and its elimination is therefore of great importance. Since the introduction of immunisation the number of children born with rubella handicap has reduced a lot but there are still a few such children born each year.

The immunisation

One injection of rubella vaccine gives good protection against rubella in about 95% of people. The vaccine is very safe. However, reactions such as a slight fever, a mild sore throat and vague joint pains are sometimes reported about 1-3 weeks after the injection. These soon subside and are of no consequence. Taking paracetamol will help. Although nearly 95% effective, that means about 5% of people receiving the vaccine are not protected. They will need a second injection. The only way to check whether the immunisation has been effective is to take a blood test and check to see if rubella antibodies have been made.

Prior to 1995, all girls aged 10-14 in the UK were offered immunisation to protect them should they later become mothers. Following the 1995 MR campaign, rubella immunisation is now offered to all children both male and female in order to try to eliminate the rubella virus from the whole community. It is combined with immunisation against measles and mumps (MMR) and is given at about age one with a second booster dose given before school entry.

Before becoming pregnant

Even if you have had a rubella immunisation or have had german measles, there is still a small chance that your body has not made sufficient antibody to protect you. Because the congenital rubella syndrome is such an important disease to avoid, any person thinking about becoming pregnant for the first time should have a blood test to check if they are protected. Often this blood test is offered in routine 'health checks' given to younger women who have not yet become pregnant, but who may do so within the next few years. Of particular importance are women who have come to the UK from overseas. 1 in 5 babies with congenital rubella syndrome in the UK are babies of asian women who have not been previously immunised.

When pregnant

One of the routine blood tests taken in early pregnancy checks for rubella antibodies. Most are positive indicating protection from rubella. Occasionally a negative result is found and these women are at risk if they come in contact with people who have rubella. These women should keep away from people who might have rubella. Once the baby has been born these women are then offered rubella immunisation to protect them against problems in future pregnancies.

Who should not receive the vaccine?

Pregnant women. Pregnancy should be avoided for 1 month after rubella immunisation. People having chemotherapy or whose immune system is suppressed for any other reason. People who are allergic to the drugs neomycin or polymyxin which is part of the vaccine (very rare).

Extract from Mentor Plus copyright OUP, EMIS and Authors 1999