Vaccines and Preventable Diseases:
Rubella (German Measles) Vaccination
Pronounced (rue-BELL-a)
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:
For Health Professionals:
What You Should Know
- Brief description
Symptoms, treatment, transmission, etc. - Questions and Answers
- 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 - Travelers information
Information and updates on risks for travelers, precautions, prevention, etc. - Rubella basics
Fact sheet offers overview of Rubella disease and vaccine risks and benefits
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.
- 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 Updated Jan 2011
- Side-effects of MMR and MMRV vaccines
Excerpt from Vaccine Information Statement - Vaccine Information Statement (VIS): MMR and MMRV
- State Vaccine Requirements
- History of the MMR vaccine
National Network for Immunization Information
Autism Theory
- Do vaccines cause autism?
- Vaccines and Autism
National Network for Immunization Information - MMR vaccine does NOT cause autism: Examine the evidence [PDF-71KB, 2 pages]
Immunization Action Coalition - Facts for Parents About Vaccine Safety
American Academy of Pediatrics - The determinations on serious professional misconduct and sanction in the cases of Dr Wakefield, Professor Walker-Smith and Professor Murch
Set forth by Great Britain’s General Medical Council, Posted May 2010 - Other scientists have not been able to reproduce
the results claimed by Dr Wakefield and his team
regarding measles virus
World Health Organization statement on the use of MMR vaccine
Other concerns
- Chronic Anthropathy and Rubella Vaccine
National Library of Medicine - Catholics hold differing views about the question of rubella vaccination for children
- Febrile seizures after MMR or MMRV vaccinations
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
- Are vaccines safe?
FAQs on The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia website - Lessening the Pain of Vaccines
Techniques worth trying; on The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia website
- Who should not be vaccinated with MMR vaccine?
- Who should not be vaccinated with MMRV vaccine?
- Pregnancy guidelines
For Health Professionals
Clinical Information on Rubella
- Pink Book's chapter on Rubella (Updated April 2011)
Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, 12th Edition - Ask the Experts
CDC experts answer your clinical questions (Immunization Action Coalition) - Prevention & Control of Rubella in Healthcare Settings
- Proper storage and handling of vaccines UPDATED dec 2011
CDC Vaccine Storage and Handling guide includes shelf life, reconstitution instructions...
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 [PDF-68KB, 1 page] Updated Oct 2009
- Standing Orders
Immunization Action Coalition - Contraindications and Precautions
- Package inserts (M-M-R II, ProQuad, and more package inserts...)
- ACIP - Vaccines for Children (VFC) Resolution
Precautions and use during outbreaks
References and Resources
- Related articles, links, and references
- Pink Book's chapter on Rubella [PDF-495KB, 16 pages] Updated April 2011
Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, 12th Edition - Surveillance manual's chapter on Rubella (chapter removed while being revised.)
Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases textbook - Travelers Health: Yellow Book
Provider Education
- Podcasts
Immunization-related podcasts; none specifically on rubella
Materials for Patients
- Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
- Rubella: Questions and Answers [PDF-95KB, 3 pages]
CDC-reviewed Q&A material located on IAC's Vaccine Information website
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Content last reviewed on April 29, 2011
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases