Do Women Planning Pregnancy Need Rubella Vaccination?

German measles

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask if women who are not pregnant must receive the rubella vaccine.
If they get vaccinated, is there a waiting period before they can conceive? Also, what other vaccines should be administered before pregnancy? Thank you.

Jian, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/05/27

Dr. Jian Hongmou reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
It is recommended to visit a hospital to check for the presence of rubella antibodies.
If antibodies are absent, it is advised to receive the vaccination according to current maternal and child health guidelines.
2.
3-6 months.
3.
Currently, maternal and child health guidelines only recommend the rubella vaccination.

Reply Date: 2004/05/27

More Info

When considering pregnancy, it is crucial for women to be aware of their immunization status, particularly regarding rubella (German measles). Rubella is a viral infection that can cause serious birth defects if a woman contracts it during the early stages of pregnancy. Therefore, ensuring immunity to rubella before conception is highly recommended.

In your case, if your Rubella IgG level is 0.170 IU/mL, this indicates that you are not immune to rubella, as the protective threshold is typically above 10.0 IU/mL. It is advisable to discuss this result with your healthcare provider, as they may recommend receiving the rubella vaccine before attempting to conceive. The rubella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, which means it contains a weakened form of the virus. Women are generally advised to wait at least one month after receiving the vaccine before trying to conceive to ensure that the vaccine does not affect the developing fetus.

In addition to rubella, there are other vaccinations that women should consider before pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that women of childbearing age ensure they are up to date on several vaccines, including:
1. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): This combination vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. If you are not immune to rubella, you may also be at risk for measles and mumps, which can have serious health implications.

2. Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): It is recommended to receive the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy, but ensuring you are up to date before pregnancy is also beneficial.

3. Influenza: The flu vaccine is recommended annually, especially for pregnant women, as they are at higher risk for complications from influenza.

4. Hepatitis B: If you are at risk for hepatitis B, vaccination is recommended before pregnancy.

5. Varicella (Chickenpox): If you have never had chickenpox or the vaccine, it is advisable to get vaccinated before pregnancy.

6. COVID-19: Vaccination against COVID-19 is also recommended for women planning to conceive, as it can help protect both the mother and the baby.

It is important to note that while some vaccines are live attenuated (like the rubella vaccine), others are inactivated and can be given safely during pregnancy. Always consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your specific health needs and vaccination history.

In summary, if you are not immune to rubella, it is advisable to receive the rubella vaccine before trying to conceive. Ensure that you are up to date on other important vaccinations as well. This proactive approach can help protect both your health and the health of your future child. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations based on your medical history and circumstances.

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