Vaccination against rubella (MMR vaccine) is mandatory for all children born from January 1, 2018 and strongly recommended for women planning pregnancy. When to do it? What side effects?
Rubella is a highly contagious disease. For example, in pregnant women, it can lead to serious fetal malformations. Fortunately, there is an effective vaccine to protect against it.
What is the name of the rubella vaccine?
It was Maurice Hilleman, an American microbiologist specializing in the study of vaccines, who discovered the one against rubella. Rubella vaccine is a trivalent combination vaccine against measles, rubella and mumpscalled MMR. The names of the vaccines are PRIORIX and MM-RVAXPRO.
Is the rubella vaccine compulsory? For who ?
Rubella vaccination is mandatory for infants since January 1, 2018. People born after 1980 and older than 12 months must have received two doses of MMR vaccine with a minimum interval of one month between doses. A dose of vaccine is also recommended for young women planning pregnancy, unvaccinated and born before 1980.
What is the composition of the rubella vaccine?
- Live attenuated measles virus (Edmonston strain 749 D)
- Live attenuated mumps viruses (Jeryl Lynn strain)
- Live attenuated rubella virus (Wistar RA 27/3 strain)
At what age should the rubella vaccine be given?
For lifetime protection:
► A first dose at the age of 12 months
► A reminder between 16 and 18 months
► Young women planning to become pregnant should be vaccinated, unless a blood test shows the presence of rubella antibodies. The vaccine is not indicated during pregnancy, it must be done before.
What are the possible side effects ?
“The rubella vaccine may be a bit more responsible fever because it is a live attenuated vaccine, which means that the pathogenic power has been removed but there is still a strong immunogenic power and therefore it can give a little fever. Live vaccines are contraindicated in immunocompromised people and in pregnant women“, underlines Dr. Valérie Delbos, doctor specializing in infectious and tropical diseases and internal medicine at the CHU d’Angers.
Can you catch rubella by being vaccinated?
Yes, it is possible, but with a complete vaccination (two doses), it is very rare, answers the Ministry of Health. On the other hand, what is certain is that people who have received only one dose of vaccine may not be fully protected. Complete vaccination against rubella (two doses) is indeed very effective and has made it possible to significantly reduce the number of cases of this disease.
Why should pregnant women get vaccinated against rubella?
“Rubella is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It can go unnoticed or cause a flu syndrome with a rash, that is to say light pimples on the body. The seriousness of the disease is due to the fact of contracting it during pregnancy because this virus can be responsible for malformations in the fetus. It is therefore important that all women of childbearing age are protected“, warns Dr. Valérie Delbos.
What is the price of rubella vaccine? Is it reimbursed?
The MMR vaccine costs €13.91 and is covered 100% by Health Insurance for children aged 1 to 17 and then 65% from 18 years old.
Thanks to Dr Valérie Delbos, doctor specializing in infectious and tropical diseases and internal medicine at the CHU d’Angers.