Rubella (German Measles) Vaccination

Pronounced (rue-BELL-a)

At a Glance

The rubella vaccine is a live attenuated (weakened) virus which is usually given as part of the MMR vaccine (protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella). MMR is recommended at 12-15 months (not earlier) and a second dose when the child is 4-6 years old (before kindergarten or 1st grade).

Rubella vaccination is particularly important for non-immune women who may become pregnant because of the risk for serious birth defects if they acquire the disease during pregnancy

 

What You Should Know

About the Disease

• Brief description
  Symptoms, treatment, transmission, etc.
• Pictures of Rubella
  Warning: Some of these photos are quite graphic.
• What risks does rubella pose for the fetus?
  Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) - March of Dimes
• Rubella and Pregnancy
  March of Dimes
• Rubella basics
  Fact sheet offers overview of Rubella disease and vaccine risks and benefits
  • In English
  • En Español

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Vaccine Information

Rubella can be prevented by the combination vaccine: MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella). In 2005, a combination MMRV (measles-mumps-rubella-varicella) vaccine was licensed.

• Vaccination Options for Preventing Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella
  For Parents and caregivers: Fact Sheet and Q&As Posted Oct 2009
• Rubella Vaccination: Who Needs It?
• Rubella: Make Sure Your Child Is Fully Immunized
  CDC feature story
  
• Side-effects of MMR and MMRV vaccines
  Excerpt from Vaccine Information Statement
• Vaccine Information Statement (VIS): MMR and MMRV
• State Vaccine Requirements

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Beliefs & Concerns

Autism Theory

• Do vaccines cause autism?
• MMR vaccine does NOT cause autism: Examine the evidence [2 pages]
  Immunization Action Coalition
• Facts for Parents About Vaccine Safety
  American Academy of Pediatrics
• MMR Vaccine 'Does Not Cause Autism'
  The National Health Services of England, UK Department of Health

Other concerns

• Chronic Anthropathy and Rubella Vaccine
  National Library of Medicine
• MMRV and Febrile Seizures

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Vaccine Safety

As with all vaccines, there can be minor reactions, including pain and redness at the injection site, headache, fatigue or a vague feeling of discomfort.

• MMR Vaccine Safety Research and MMRV Vaccine Safety
• Multiple or combined vaccines and the immune system
• CDC's Vaccine Safety website
  • concerns | report a suspected vaccine reaction
• Are vaccines safe?
  FAQs on The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia website

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Who Should Not be Vaccinated?

• Who should not be vaccinated with MMR vaccine?
• Who should not be vaccinated with MMRV vaccine?
• Pregnancy guidelines

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For Health Professionals

Clinical Information on Rubella

• Pink Book's chapter on Rubella
  Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
• Ask the Experts
  CDC experts answer your clinical questions (Immunization Action Coalition)
• Prevention & Control of Rubella in Healthcare Settings

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Vaccine Recommendations

• Vaccination Options for Preventing Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella
  For Providers: Fact Sheet and Q&As Posted Oct 2009
• ACIP recommendations
  • Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations [1 page] Updated Oct 2009
• Standing Orders
  Immunization Action Coalition
• Contraindications and Precautions
• Consult package inserts for vaccine storage and handling guidance: (M-M-R II, ProQuad, and more package inserts...)
  Includes proper storage and handing details, shelf life, reconstitution instructions...
• ACIP - Vaccines for Children (VFC) Resolution
  Precautions and use during outbreaks

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References and Resources

• Related articles, links, and references
• Pink Book's chapter on Rubella
  Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
• Surveillance manual's chapter on rubella
  Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases textbook
• Travelers Health: Yellow Book

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Provider Education

• Podcasts
  Immunization-related podcasts; none specifically on rubella

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Materials for Patients

• Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
• Fact sheet for parents about rubella and the vaccine that prevents it
  • Color [2 pages]
  • B/W [2 pages]
• Rubella: Questions and Answers [3 pages]
  CDC-reviewed Q&A material located on IAC's Vaccine Information website

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