Prevention of Rubella

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All babies over should have the MMR vaccine (by injection) between 12-18 months of age and before starting school (usually between three and five years old), all children should have a MMR booster jab. There are certain exceptions such as children who have a fever or a health condition that affects their immune system. After the first dose, between 90-95% of children are fully immune; but after the second dose, 99% are immune.

The MMR jab was introduced in 1988 and the second dose was introduced in 1996. If you were born before 1992 you have probably only had one dose of MMR and so you should check your immunity. This is especially important if you are planning to get pregnant.

About 1-2 weeks after having the jab, some children may get a mild sore throat, fever or rash but this is nothing to worry about.

One of the routine tests during pregnancy is to see if you have rubella immunity.

If you are pregnant and you know you are not immune to rubella you must keep away from anyone who has rubella (German measles), especially in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. If you come into contact with someone you know has rubella you should see your GP immediately. They will know from your blood tests whether you are immune to rubella. If you are not immune, you cannot have the jab while pregnant, but you can have it after your baby is born so that you will be immune from then on.

If an unvaccinated woman becomes infected with rubella during early pregnancy the development of the baby can be seriously affected. This is called congenital rubella syndrome.

All women who have not been immunised and are planning a pregnancy should see their GP or practice nurse for the rubella vaccination. Even if you know you have had the rubella vaccination, your body may not have made enough antibodies to make you immune to the virus, so it is best to check. If you are not sure whether you are immune to rubella, you can see your GP or practice nurse for a blood test to find out. You should not become pregnant for at least a month after having your rubella jab.

If you are having chemotherapy, or if your immune system is low for another reason, or if you are allergic to the drugs neomycin or polymyxin, you should not have the rubella vaccination. See your GP for advice.