Rubella Immunisation

Before 1995, all girls aged 10-14 in the UK were offered immunisation to protect them against rubella during any future pregnancies. Since 1995, rubella immunisation has been offered to all children, both male and female. The rubella vaccine used for immunisation is combined with the measles and mumps vaccines (the MMR vaccine). Children are given the MMR vaccine at about the age of 13 months, with a booster dose given about three years later (before school entry). The aim is to eliminate the rubella virus from the whole community.

Serious problems with the rubella vaccine are rare. However, mild reactions such as a slight fever, a mild sore throat, and joint pains sometimes occur about 1-3 weeks after the injection. These soon subside and are of no consequence.

Before you become pregnant

Even if you have had a rubella immunisation, or have had rubella (german measles), there is still a small chance that your body has not made enough antibodies against the rubella virus to protect you. The only way to check whether the immunisation has worked is to have a blood test. This checks for rubella antibodies. Because the congenital rubella syndrome is so important to avoid, if you are thinking about becoming pregnant for the first time you should have a blood test to check that you are protected.

This blood test may be offered to younger women in routine 'health checks'. But if you have not had it, ask your practice nurse for the blood test. In particular, women who have come to the UK from overseas and have not been immunised are at greatest risk of having a baby with congenital rubella syndrome.

When you are pregnant

One of the routine blood tests which is taken in early pregnancy checks for rubella antibodies.

• In most women the test is positive, which means that you are protected from rubella.
• If your test is negative (no antibodies), you are at risk if you come in contact with rubella. You should keep away from people who might have rubella. Once your baby is born, you should then have a rubella immunisation to protect against rubella in future pregnancies.

Who should not receive the vaccine?

• Pregnant women. Also, you should not become pregnant for one month after having a rubella (MMR) immunisation.
• If you are having chemotherapy, or if your immune system is suppressed for other reasons.
• If you are allergic to the drugs neomycin or polymyxin (which are part of the vaccine).

© EMIS and PIP 2004   Updated: September 2004   Review Date: October 2005   CHIQ Accredited