Rubella
Vaxon is your destination for all immunizations. And your Rite Aid Immunizing Pharmacist is always ready with the information and vaccinations you need to shield you from rubella. Rubella — sometimes called German measles or three-day measles — is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Rubella symptoms can include a rash, joint pain and muscle pain. Rubella is a very serious concern during pregnancy when rubella can harm or even kill an unborn fetus. Birth defects may include deafness, cataracts, heart defects, intellectual disability, and liver and spleen damage.
How does Rubella spread?
Rubella is spread through the air by droplets that result when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
What are the symptoms of Rubella?
In children, the symptoms of rubella usually last 2-3 days and are:
- A rash that begins on the face, then spreads to the rest of the body
- Low fever (less than 101 degrees)
Before the rash appears, older children and adults may also have swollen glands and cold-like symptoms. Aching joints occur in many cases, especially among young women. About 25% to 50% of the people who get rubella do not have symptoms.
How does the Rubella vaccination work?
The rubella vaccine is contained in the MMR vaccine and will prevent the disease. The MMR vaccine contains live, weakened rubella virus in addition to vaccines to protect against measles and mumps.
MMR vaccination is recommended at ages 12-15 months. A supplementary dose is advised when children are 4-6 years old — before kindergarten or 1st grade.
For unvaccinated women who may become pregnant, a rubella vaccination before they become pregnant is crucial to avert the risk of serious birth defects that may occur if rubella is contracted during pregnancy.
Should your child be shielded against Rubella?
It is recommended that children get vaccinated with two doses of MMR.
- At 12-15 months of age
- Again at 4-6 years of age
(These ages are recommended, but children can get the second dose at any age, as long as it is at least 28 days after the first.)
Should you be vaccinated as an adult?
You SHOULD get the MMR vaccine if you do not have evidence of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella and:
- You are a college, trade school or other student beyond high school
- You work in a hospital or other medical facility
- You work or are a passenger on a cruise ship
- You travel internationally
- You are a woman of childbearing age
If you fit the above criteria, rest assured your Rite Aid pharmacist is always ready with advice and vaccinations to shield against rubella and a host of other infectious diseases — without hassle or appointment.
You DO NOT need the MMR vaccine if:
- You are proven to be immune to measles, mumps, and rubella
- You are a man born prior to 1957
- You are a woman born prior to 1957 who:
- is certain she will not become pregnant
- has already been vaccinated against rubella
- has had a positive test for rubella
- You have already received two MMR doses or one MMR dose plus a second measles vaccine
- You have already had one MMR dose and are not at high risk of exposure to measles or mumps.