Key facts
- Number of doses: 2.
- Free for: Babies at 12 and 18 months of age.
- Side effects can include a lump at the injection site, fever, faint red rash (not infectious), head cold, runny nose, cough, puffy eyes, drowsiness or tiredness, and swelling of saliva glands.
What is rubella
Rubella (also known as German measles) is a contagious viral infection that causes fever and a rash. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Rubella is a very serious disease for pregnant women. It can harm an unborn baby and may cause miscarriage or severe birth defects.
What is the rubella vaccine
The rubella vaccine is an injection that helps protect people from rubella. The ingredients teach the immune system to recognise and fight the virus that causes rubella, without causing the disease itself.
Rubella vaccines are safe and effective at protecting against rubella and its complications. Staying up to date with your vaccinations gives you the best protection.
Rubella vaccines only come as combination vaccines that also protect against:
The combination vaccine has a small amount of a weakened live virus. Some people cannot have live vaccines for medical reasons. Your health professional can advise whether this vaccine is suitable for you
You can find product information and consumer medicine information about rubella vaccines on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.
Who can get the rubella vaccine
The vaccine is free under the NIP schedule for:
- children at 12 and 18 months of age
- people 19 years of age or under (as a catch-up vaccination)
- refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age (as a catch-up vaccination).
If you are not eligible for the free vaccine through the NIP
Talk to your health professional about whether vaccination is recommended for you or your child. Most vaccines are available for private purchase with a prescription.
If you buy the vaccine yourself, you will need to pay for it. The cost is not covered or reimbursed through the NIP.
Some vaccines not funded by the NIP may be funded by your state or territory. Check the immunisation schedule for your state or territory to find out more.
How the rubella vaccine is given
The vaccine is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) or into a muscle (intramuscularly).
Costs
Some providers charge a consultation fee to give vaccines (including free ones). Check before you make an appointment.
Side effects
Most side effects of rubella vaccines are mild and last no more than a couple of days. Serious side effects are rare.
Common side effects seen 7 to 10 days after vaccination:
- cough
- head cold
- puffy eyes
- runny nose
- drowsiness or tiredness
- swelling of saliva glands
- faint red rash (not infectious)
- fever (lasting 2 to 3 days).
Occasionally, a lump may form at the injection site. This may last for weeks, but no treatment is needed.
Find out how to manage common vaccine side effects. If you’re worried, talk to a health professional.
Safety data
See safety data for the free vaccines given at 12 months and 18 months of age from AusVaxSafety.
Checking immunisation history
You can get proof of vaccination for you or your child. Visit the Check immunisation history page to find out how.
Information for health professionals
If you are a health professional, visit our Vaccination clinical support for health professionals page for more information.
You can also read the Australian Immunisation Handbook rubella page.
Next steps
Talk to a health professional to confirm if the rubella vaccine is free or recommended for you or your child.
Find a health professional in your area or call your state or territory health department.
More information
- View our NIP resources.
- Watch our video called What is Rubella? to find out why childhood rubella vaccination is so important.
- Visit our Childhood immunisation site.
- Read the Rubella vaccines for Australians fact sheet on the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia website.
Rubella vaccine
Find out how effective the rubella vaccine is and more about potential side effects.
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