Rubella
What is it?
Rubella is a highly contagious viral infection that is spread by contact with an infected person through coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include a sore throat, a slight fever that lasts for about 24 hours, and a rash on the face and neck which can spread to the rest of the body. Older children can also experience a headache and pink eye before they develop the rash. The rubella rash usually lasts 3 days, which is why it is sometimes called “three-day measles.” It is also known as German measles. Rubella is not to be confused with rubeola, another name for measles. Thankfully, there’s a vaccine to protect against rubella.
Why is the vaccine important?
In young children, rubella is usually mild. However, rubella can be very dangerous to pregnant people and their babies. A pregnant person infected with rubella has a high chance of giving birth to a baby with congenital rubella syndrome. This can cause birth defects including hearing loss, cataracts, glaucoma, heart defects, and developmental delays. There is also a risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.
Progress
Thanks to immunization efforts, the last rubella epidemic in the U.S. occurred in 1964 and 1965. During this time, over 12 million people got rubella, 11,000 pregnant people experienced a miscarriage, over 2,000 newborns died, and 20,000 babies were born with congenital rubella syndrome.
Vaccine Recommendations
Children should get 2 doses of MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Children should receive the first dose at 12 – 15 months old and the second at 4 – 6 years old.
Side Effects
Vaccines, like any medicine, can cause side effects (also known as "adverse reactions"). Most side effects are mild and go away within a few days. Common side effects include fever, headache, or body aches. They can also include redness where a shot was given and tiredness. Side effects are normal. They can even be a good sign that the immune system is working to build antibodies that will fight off future infections!
For the MMR vaccine, side effects may also include swelling of glands in the neck or cheek. Another side effect specific to the MMR vaccine is temporary joint pain or stiffness. These most frequently occur in adolescent or adult women. More severe reactions are very rare, but can include seizures followed by a fever and a temporary low platelet count, which could cause bruising or bleeding. Those who have severe immune problems are advised not to get the MMR vaccine, as it could cause a life-threatening infection.
Remember, vaccines are continuously studied. They are also closely monitored for safety. Research continues to show that vaccines are safe, and the benefits outweigh the risks. The risk of a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine is rare (about 1 in 1 million). The choice not to vaccinate is ultimately more risky. Not vaccinating may lead to catching a potentially deadly disease.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about vaccine side effects. In the event of a serious allergic reaction, call 9-1-1.
