Rubella vaccination

Abstract

Various attenuated live rubella vaccines now in use are considered generally safe and immunogenic, but to date the longest that vaccinal immunity has been shown to endure is seven years. Subclinical reinfection is not uncommon among vaccines, but its effect on pregnancy and fetal development is not yet fully known. At present two mass immunization strategies are used: vaccination of all children under 12 years of age or protection only of females 10-14 years of age. In either case susceptible women of childbearing age who have no detectable rubella HI antibody are immunized as well. Such women may receive the vaccine during the postpartum period or at any other time when they are not pregnant, but strict precautions must always be taken to make sure they do not conceive for at least two months thereafter (Au)