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Rubella (German Measles)

Rubella is a serious disease caused by a virus. It used to be common in the United States and is sometimes called German measles. Rubella can cause mild fever, a headache, pink eye (eye looks pink, red, or swollen), and other minor symptoms. Most people with rubella get better in a few weeks. But it can also lead to serious health problems like arthritis (joint pain and swelling), brain infections, or bleeding problems. Rubella spreads through the air (a cough or sneeze could spread it).source: 1,source: 2

Rubella is especially serious for women who are unvaccinated and want to become pregnant. Unvaccinated women who get rubella during pregnancy are at risk of having a stillbirth or miscarriage. Also, babies born to women with rubella are at risk for congenital rubella syndrome, which can cause serious birth defects including heart problems, intellectual disabilities, and deafness. Getting vaccinated before pregnancy is the best way for women to protect their babies from rubella.source: 3,source: 4

When enough people get vaccinated, the entire community is less likely to get rubella and spread it. That's why being vaccinated is the best way to prevent it. There are two vaccines that can prevent rubella. (1) The MMR vaccine protects kids and adults from measles, mumps, and rubella. (2) The MMRV vaccine protects kids 12 months to 12 years old from measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox.source: 5

Why does my child need to be vaccinated against rubella?

It’s important to vaccinate your child against rubella because it can lead to serious problems, especially for an unborn sibling if their mother is pregnant. Even though most kids in the United States get the MMR vaccine and are protected from rubella, the disease still exists in many parts of the world. Each year, some people who live or travel outside of the country bring it back to the United States.source: 2,source: 4 Unvaccinated people are especially vulnerable to catching the disease.

How safe are the vaccines?

MMR vaccines have been administered and monitored for more than 50 years. MMRV vaccines have been licensed since 2005.source: 6 All the research shows the MMR and MMRV vaccines are safe.source: 7

Vaccines, including the MMR and MMRV vaccines, do not cause autism. This misinformation has been studied for decades by experts and no link has ever been found between autism and vaccines.source: 5,source: 8,source: 9 Visit the CDC and Autism Speaks.

Like any medicine, there's a small chance that a vaccine that prevents mumps could cause other serious reactions. However, getting an MMR or MMRV vaccine is much safer than getting rubella.source: 5

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VPD Rubella- Toddler playing with her mother

How effective are the vaccines?

One dose of the rubella vaccine is 97% effective at protecting against rubella.source: 10 Thanks to most kids getting the vaccines, the disease is not common in the United States. But rubella is still a problem in other parts of the world and can be brought to the United States by people who visit or live in other countries.source: 4,source: 10 This is why kids still need rubella vaccines.

What are the vaccines’ side effects?

Most children don't have side effects. Any side effects are usually mild and go away in a few days. They may include fever, a mild rash, and swollen glands in the cheeks or neck.source: 5,source: 10 Rare side effects can include seizures (sudden, unusual movements or behavior) from having a high fever (about 1 in 3,000–4,000 children who receive the MMR vaccine).source: 5 Seizures related to high fevers (called “febrile seizures”) can be scary but are usually harmless. Brief (short-term) low platelet count may also occur.source: 5

Understanding the Risks

Getting Rubella vs. Getting Vaccinated

Rubella

Vaccines to Prevent Rubella

Common: Mild to Moderate Symptoms or Side Effects

Symptoms can be mild to moderate and usually last 3–10 days:

  • Swollen glands
  • Red rash that spreads from the face
  • Feeling uncomfortable
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Pink eye

If side effects occur, they are usually mild and last 1–2 days:

  • Soreness
  • Fever
  • Mild, non-contagious rash
  • Swollen glands in the cheeks or neck

Rare: More Serious Symptoms, Complications or Side Effects

  • Arthritis (infection in the joints)
  • Bleeding problems
  • Brain infections
  • Seizures caused by fever
  • Temporary blood clotting disorder (low platelet count)
  • Temporary pain or stiffness in the joints

Doctors are trained. I follow and trust their recommendation to give my children the best quality of life.

— David C., Father

When does my child need the vaccines?

Kids ages 1–6 need the MMR/MMRV vaccine, which helps protect against rubella, as part of their routine vaccine schedule. Kids can get the MMR or MMRV vaccine at the same time as other vaccines.source: 7,source: 11,source: 12

If your child did not receive rubella vaccines as recommended, talk to their doctor about getting caught up. Children ages 4 and older who are not caught up on the rubella vaccines can get their second MMR dose 28 days after the first dose, or their second MMRV dose 3 months after the first dose.source: 7,source: 12

First Dose

between 12 and 15 months

Second Dose

between 4–6 years

More information

Learn more:

Sources

  1. CDC: Rubella Symptoms and Complications
  2. CDC: Impact of U.S. MMR Vaccination Program
  3. CDC: Pregnancy and Rubella
  4. March of Dimes: Rubella and Pregnancy
  5. CDC: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine Safety
  6. Immunize.org: Vaccine History Timeline
  7. CDC: Pink Book: Rubella
  8. CDC: Autism and Vaccines
  9. Annual Review of Virology: The MMR Vaccine and Autism
  10. CDC: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know
  11. FDA: Vaccines Protect Children From Harmful Infectious Diseases
  12. CDC: Multiple Vaccines at Once
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