Rubella Facts

Rubella, whose name means "little red," was thought to be a type of measles until 1814, when German scientists described it as a completely different disease. From 1963 to 1965, a rubella epidemic swept throughout the world. In the United States alone, about 11,000 babies died and 20,000 babies developed birth defects from rubella.
Rubella vaccine was developed in 1968. After the vaccine was licensed in 1969, the number of people in the United States who got rubella went down quickly. Rubella vaccine is still used throughout the world today.
Rubella virus can be found in nose and throat secretions, such as saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus, of infected people. You can spread the virus to others through sneezing or coughing.
In young children, rubella is usually mild, with few noticeable symptoms. They may have a fever and a sore throat. Adults are more likely to have a headache, pink eye, and general discomfort 1 to 5 days before the rash appears. Adults also tend to have more complications, including sore, swollen joints and, less commonly, arthritis, especially in women. A brain infection called encephalitis is a rare but serious complication that can affect adults with rubella. However, the most serious consequence from rubella infection is the harm it can cause a pregnant woman's baby.

Rubella Is Dangerous for Pregnant Women and Their Babies

Pregnant women who get infected with rubella virus also expose their babies. This can cause serious birth defects such as heart problems, hearing and vision loss, intellectual disability, and liver or spleen damage. Serious birth defects are more common if a woman is infected early in her pregnancy, especially in the first 12 weeks. Getting rubella infection during pregnancy can also cause a miscarriage or premature delivery.
Pregnant women should not get rubella vaccine. They should wait to get vaccinated after they have given birth.
If you are planning to get pregnant, make sure you are protected from rubella beforehand. A blood test—an antibody titer—done by your doctor can tell you if you are already immune to rubella. If you are not immune, you should get vaccinated. Wait at least four weeks before getting pregnant.
Children should also be vaccinated on time to prevent rubella from spreading to pregnant women.

MMR Vaccine: Prevents Rubella Disease and Birth Defects

Rubella vaccine is included in the MMR vaccine, which is a combination vaccine that protects you against measles, mumps, and rubella. MMR vaccine is safe and effective and has been widely used in the United States for over 20 years.
In the United States, 2 doses are recommended for children:

• the first dose at 12 through 15 months old and
• the second dose, before entering school, at 4 through 6 years old.

In 2004, a second combination vaccine, MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) was licensed. Your child's doctor can help you choose between getting the MMR vaccine and the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine separately or the combination MMRV vaccine.
Vaccinating your child on time is the best way to protect them and others, including pregnant women and their babies, from rubella infection.

MMR Vaccine for Adults: The Responsible Choice

Rubella was declared eliminated from the United States in 2004. However, rubella is still common in other countries. The virus can be brought into the United States at any time by visitors who have rubella. Also, unvaccinated U.S. residents traveling to these countries can become infected and unknowingly bring the disease back home with them.
Anyone born during or after 1957 who has not had rubella or been vaccinated against the disease should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine. If you are not sure if you are protected against rubella, ask your doctor to test your blood to see if you are immune to the disease.
MMR vaccine protects you and those around you from getting infected, and it can protect pregnant women and their babies from serious birth defects and death.

Can I Get Help Paying for Vaccines?

Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. However, you may want to check with your insurance provider before going to the doctor. If you don't have health insurance or if your insurance does not cover vaccines for your child, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program may be able to help. This program helps families of eligible children who might not otherwise have access to vaccines. To learn about the VFC Program, visit the VFC Web site or ask your child's doctor. You can also contact your state VFC coordinator