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Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Vaccines & Immunizations

Vaccines and Preventable Diseases:

Rubella (German Measles) Vaccination
Pronounced (rue-BELL-a)

The rubella vaccine is a live attenuated (weakened) virus. Although it is available as a single preparation, it is recommended that in most cases rubella vaccine be 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

Rubella vaccination

What You Should Know

About the Disease

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Vaccine Information

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

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Beliefs & Concerns
Autism Theory
Other concerns

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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.

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Who Should Not be Vaccinated?

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For Health Professionals

Clinical

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Recommendations

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References and Resources

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Provider Education

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Materials for Patients

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This page last modified on September 17, 2008
Content last reviewed on May 7, 2007
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases

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Safer Healthier People

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Vaccines and Immunizations