Vaccination against Rubella

There are a number of rubella vaccines available, either as single antigen vaccines or combined with either measles vaccine (MR), mumps vaccine or measles and mumps vaccine (MMR). Most currently licensed vaccines are based on the live, attenuated RA 27/3 strain of rubella virus, propagated in human diploid cells. The RA 27/3 vaccine is highly stable at –70⁰ C. When stored at 4⁰ C, its potency is maintained for at least 5 years. The vaccine should be stored at 2⁰ C – 8⁰ C and protected from light. And the vaccine is administered by subcutaneous route.

In the light of the proven efficacy and safety of the RA 27/3 based rubella vaccine, WHO recommends its use in all countries where control or elimination of CRS is considered a public health priority. Current efforts in the global measles control should be used as an opportunity to pursue control of rubella through the use of MR and MMR vaccines.

Although the global burden of CRS has been sufficiently characterised to justify the advocating for its control and prevention, further multi-country studies are going on to refine estimates at national and regional levels, particularly in developing countries. At the same time integrated measles and rubella surveillance as well as integrated measles and rubella laboratory networks are being set up.

Control of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in developing countries; WHO Review/Analysis series

Guidelines for surveillance of congenital rubella syndrome and rubella; WHO/V&B/99.22