(VIS) ‘What is rubella?’
Doctor Emma Goeman: Rubella is a viral illness that spreads from person to person. The virus that causes rubella mainly spreads through the air via tiny particles or droplets of fluid that are made when people who are infected with it cough or sneeze. It's also called German measles, but it is different to the illness which is caused by the measles virus.
(VIS) ‘What happens if my child gets rubella?’
Doctor Goeman: Rubella is usually not a serious illness for children. The symptoms are generally mild and resolve in about 3 days. Children may experience a rash, fever, headache, swollen glands, runny nose, joint pain or sore red eyes. One in every 2 people who catch rubella may not have any symptoms at all but can still infect others. Rubella can be very serious for pregnant people, as it can cause miscarriage or birth defects called congenital rubella syndrome. Congenital rubella syndrome may cause a baby to have a number of problems, including intellectual disability, cataracts, deafness, and heart abnormalities. This is why it's still very important to vaccinate against rubella to prevent the spread of the virus.
(VIS) ‘What vaccine will protect my child?’
Doctor Goeman: Vaccination is the best way to protect your child from the disease. Rubella vaccines available in Australia are combination vaccines that also protect against measles and mumps, and for the 18-month dose, chickenpox. This means your child will be protected against more diseases with fewer injections and with less pain and stress for your child. Under the National Immunisation Program, children should receive the free vaccine at 12 and 18 months for the best possible protection.
(VIS) 'How does the vaccine work?’
Doctor Goeman: The vaccine provides immunity to rubella to help prevent your child from getting the disease. It contains a weakened and safe form of the rubella virus and trains your child’s immune system to recognise and protect against infection. Getting both doses of the vaccine is about 95% effective in protecting against rubella. Vaccination reduces your child’s chances of getting rubella, and if they do get it, they have less risk of serious illness and hospitalisation.
(VIS) ‘What are the common reactions or side effects?’
Doctor Goeman: Your child may experience mild side effects after the vaccine, which usually disappear within a few days. Common side effects in the first few days after immunisation include redness, swelling and soreness at the injection site. Some children develop fever and a rash 5 to 12 days later. Paracetamol can be used as directed on the label if your child feels unwell with fever or pain after immunisation
(VIS) ‘What impact has vaccination had on the prevalence of the disease?
Doctor Goeman: Rubella is now rare in Australia thanks to childhood vaccination programs. However, outbreaks can still occur among people who are not immune, so we need to keep vaccinating.
(VIS) ‘Where to find more information’
(VIS) ‘Always talk to your health professional if you have any questions about childhood vaccinations. For more information, visit Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation at skai.org.au/childhood’
In this video, Dr Emma Goeman shares what it is and how you can protect your child with free vaccines available under the National Immunisation Program.