Rubella

Key Information

• Rubella Infections: Up to 50% are subclinical; rubella during pregnancy can result in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS).
• Vaccines: Available as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccines.
• Immunity: Over 97% of individuals develop immunity after 1 dose of rubella vaccine.
• Adverse Reactions: Generally mild and transient, including pain, redness at injection site, fever, and rash. Higher risk of fever and febrile seizures with MMRV in children 12-23 months.

Recommendations for Use

• Routine Immunization:
  • Children: 1 dose of MMR or MMRV vaccine at 12-15 months of age.
• Catch-up Immunization: 1 dose for susceptible children, adolescents, and adults.
• High-Risk Groups:
  • Non-pregnant women of childbearing age, especially foreign-born.
  • People who work with children (e.g., child care workers, teachers).
  • Health care workers.
  • Travellers to rubella-endemic areas.

Preparations Authorized for Use in Canada

• MMR Vaccines:
  • M-M-R®II (Merck Canada Inc.)
  • PRIORIX® (GlaxoSmithKline Inc.)
• MMRV Vaccines:
  • PRIORIX-TETRA® (GlaxoSmithKline Inc.)
  • ProQuad™ (Merck Canada Inc.)

Safety and Adverse Events

• Common Reactions: Pain, redness at injection site, fever <39°C, rash.
• Serious Reactions: Rare, including anaphylaxis and febrile seizures.