• Children's Immunizations
• Adult Immunizations
  • Diptheria Immunization Information
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
  • Hepatitis A Immunization Information
  • Hepatitis B Immunization Information
  • Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Immunization Information
  • Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) Immunization Information
  • Influenza Immunization Information - Flu
  • Measles Immunization Information
  • Meningococcal Immunization Information
  • Mumps Immunization Information
  • Pertussis (whooping cough) Immunization Information
  • Pneumococcus Immunization Information
  • Polio Immunization Information
  • Rubella - German Measles Immunization Information
  • Tetanus (Lockjaw) Immunization Information
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox) Immunization Information
• Flu Shot Clinics
• Pneumonia Immunizations
• Shingles Immunizations
• Travel Immunizations

Description

Rubella (German Measles) is an acute viral disease that causes fever and rash

Symptoms

Rash and fever for two to three days (mild disease in children and young adults)

Complications

Birth defects if acquired by a pregnant woman: deafness, cataracts, heart defects, mental retardation, and liver and spleen damage (at least a 20% chance of damage to the fetus if a woman is infected early in pregnancy)

Transmission

Spread by contact with an infected person, through coughing and sneezing

Vaccine

Rubella vaccine (contained in MMR vaccine) can prevent this disease.

As an adult, do I need it?

*You do NOT need the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR) if:

• You had blood tests that show you are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.

• You are a male born before 1957.

• You are a female born before 1957 who is sure she is not having more children, has already had rubella vaccine, or has had a positive rubella test.

• You already had two doses of MMR or one dose of MMR plus a second dose of measles vaccine.

• You already had one dose of MMR and are not at high risk of measles or mumps exposure.

You SHOULD get the MMR vaccine if you are not among the categories listed above, and

• You are a college student, trade school student, or other student beyond high school.

• You work in a hospital or other medical facility.

• You travel internationally, or are a passenger on a cruise ship.

• You are a woman of childbearing age.

Vaccine Information Sheet

Rubella Fact Sheet English (pdf)

Rubella Fact Sheet Spanish (pdf)