Rubella (German Measles)
Information about rubella (German measles) immunisation funded under the Immunise Australia Program.
Rubella (German measles) is caused by the Rubivirus. The virus is spread from person to person through direct contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person and through droplets in the air.
Symptoms of rubella take between 14 and 23 days after infection to show. These symptoms are generally mild (especially in children) and may include:
- a rash;
- lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph glands); and
- joint pain.
Complications are rare and include encephalitis (brain infection) and low levels of white cells and platelets in blood. Becoming infected with Rubella in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause abnormalities in the developing baby. These can be severe and include deafness, blindness, heart defects and intellectual disabilities.
Rubella is a vaccine preventable disease and immunisation can reduce the number of babies born with abnormalities. It is highly contagious and the best way to protect expectant mothers and their babies from rubella is to make sure women are immunised before they become pregnant and to immunise all children to stop the spread of infection. Rubella vaccination is recommended as part of routine childhood immunisation. It is listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule and funded for children under the Immunise Australia Program. To receive rubella immunisation, visit your local doctor or immunisation provider. It is important to note that the vaccine is provided at no cost, however a consultation fee may apply.
Doses of vaccine are given at 12 months and 4 years of age. Immunisation against rubella is achieved using combination vaccines. For information about immunisation in your area contact your State or Territory Health Department. For technical information or information about vaccines, refer to the rubella section of the Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC).
Page last modified: 18 May, 2011