Rubella is a highly contagious infection due to the RuV virus. It is usually transmitted by contact with droplets from an infected person’s mouth or nose, or by swallowing contaminated food or water.

It is also known as German measles and can cause symptoms such as sore throat, eye infection (conjunctivitis), and mild rash on the face and body of infants. Fortunately, there has been an important breakthrough in developing the rubella vaccine.

But do you know that it can also affect pregnant women? Here we are sharing every detail regarding who can catch rubella and what to do if it happens.

What is rubella vaccination?

Rubella vaccination is the vaccine used to help prevent rubella infection. It is provided in the combination form of MMR vaccination including for mumps and measles.

Pregnant women should get it because their immune systems are compromised during pregnancy. To avoid a child with birth defects and miscarriages, rubella vaccination is necessary for them.

Women who have ever had children with congenital rubella syndrome or who are susceptible to rubella in other ways may also need to get rubella vaccination. It’s difficult to share that children can face the consequence of hearing impairments, eye defects, and much more.

Who is at risk of catching rubella?

It’s not only pregnant women who are at risk of catching rubella. Anyone who is exposed to the virus but hasn’t been vaccinated yet can catch rubella infection. But children under 10 years of age are highly at risk. That’s why vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing infection and carrying over a healthy generation.

When your child should get the Rubella Vaccine?

Children are required to get at least three doses of rubella vaccination starting right from 9 months of age:

• The first dose should start from the age of 9 months
• 2nd dose is provided at the age of 15 months
• 3rd dose is given between 4 to 6 years

For the third dose, pediatricians even suggest 3rd dose after 8 weeks before the previous dose. However, school-aged children who have never received the rubella vaccination, he or she has to get a catch-up vaccination. Only one dose is required to be given if vaccinated before. Just make sure to provide it after the gap of 4 weeks.

What if an unvaccinated person catches a rubella infection?

You never know if you are exposed to the rubella infection unless the symptoms develop. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult with your doctor and get the treatment immediately:

• Rashes starting from the face
• Mild fever
• Sore throat
• Nausea
• Conjunctivitis

Some older children and adults are prone to suffer from headaches and discomfort. Infected women may have to deal with painful joints or arthritis.

Side Effects

Your children don’t have to face any side effects after administering the vaccination. Even when any side effect is seen, it is mild and there is nothing to stress for. You may face the following things:

• Soreness, swelling, and redness at the injection site
• Fever
• Minor rash
• Temporary Pain and stiffness in the joints

It’s very rare when the side effects result in high fever and ultimately cause seizures. You can contact the doctor to know the vaccination schedule and keep your child protected for life.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article will make you more aware of the existence of rubella, as well as how it can affect you and your family. If you’re not sure whether you need to be vaccinated, speak with a medical professional.

It’s a must if you are traveling to a place where rubella infection is pretty common. Also, catch-up vaccination is mandatory when you have never received it in your childhood. Ask your wife too if she has got it or not. This way, you can get a healthy baby with no CSR symptoms.

And if your child is due for a booster shot, but you still have questions about the vaccination for rubella, speak to your pediatrician about what is best for your family. Make sure that you get vaccinated yourself and understand that this is a preventable disease.