About Rubella Virus Vaccine
Rubella, also called German Measles, is a contagious diseases caused by a virus. Most people who get rubella have mild illness with symptoms of fever, sore throat, and rash. In people who are pregnant, rubella may lead to miscarriage. Babies born to a mother who got rubella during the pregnancy may have birth defects, including problems with the heart, hearing, and eyesight. Vaccination against rubella can help prevent getting the disease.
Rubella vaccination is usually given in a combination vaccine that also protects against measles and mumps, or against measles, mumps and chicken pox. These combination vaccines may be called the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine or MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine.
Vaccination against rubella with a combination vaccine is recommended for:
- Children: One dose is usually given after the child turns 1 year old and a second dose is given around age 4-6 years. Check with the pediatrician regarding the specific vaccination schedule for your child.
- Adults: One dose may be needed for people who weren’t vaccinated as a child and have not had rubella. The doctor may test a person’s blood to see if they have rubella antibody. Having rubella antibody indicates that a person previously was infected with the rubella virus. Some adults may need more than one dose. Check with the healthcare provider regarding the specific rubella vaccine needs based on individual factors.
There are certain groups of people who may not be suitable candidates for receiving rubella vaccine, including:
- Previous allergic reaction to the rubella vaccine or other vaccines.
- People who are currently pregnant.
- People who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed – check with a healthcare provider regarding your specific situation to see if getting the rubella vaccine is right for you.
There are other conditions that may affect whether a person should receive the rubella vaccine or, in some cases, wait to get the vaccine. Before receiving the rubella vaccine, it is important to talk with your doctor about your health history to consider whether the rubella vaccine is suitable for you.
Common side effects of the combination vaccine that includes rubella vaccine include redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site. Some individuals may also experience mild symptoms such as headache or muscle pain. These side effects are usually temporary and go away on their own. Serious side effects are rare and may include high fever that could cause a seizure. People who develop high fever after a vaccination should contact their healthcare professional.
It is important to remember that while vaccines can be effective in preventing diseases, they may not provide 100% protection for everyone. It is always a good idea to discuss your individual circumstances and medical history with your healthcare provider before making any decisions about vaccines. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and considerations.