How Soon Can You Test for Antibodies After German Measles Vaccination?

How long after receiving the German measles vaccine can one check for the presence of antibodies?

Hello, doctor: How long after receiving the German measles vaccine can I check for the presence of antibodies? If antibodies are not produced, should I receive a booster shot? Thank you!

Bu Bu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/07/28

Dr. Liu Yuhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The German measles vaccine provides 95% protection.
Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend checking for antibody production after vaccination.
If antibodies are not produced, there is no recommendation for a booster shot.
If you are concerned about becoming pregnant immediately after receiving the German measles vaccine, the CDC advises avoiding pregnancy for 4 weeks post-vaccination.

#Reference:
CDC PINKBOOK Rubella Vaccine
- Composition: Live virus (RA 27/3 strain)
- Efficacy: 95% (Range, 90%-97%)
- Duration of Immunity: Lifelong
- Schedule: At least 1 dose
#Related Links:
Public Version: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/rubella/default.htm
Professional Version: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/rubella.html#immunity

Reply Date: 2012/07/28

More Info

After receiving the German measles vaccine, also known as the rubella vaccine, it is generally recommended to wait at least four weeks before testing for antibodies. This timeframe allows your immune system sufficient time to respond to the vaccine and produce the antibodies that confer immunity. The rubella vaccine is highly effective, with an efficacy rate of approximately 95%, meaning that most individuals will develop immunity after vaccination.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not routinely recommend antibody testing after vaccination unless there are specific concerns, such as a history of immunosuppression or other medical conditions that may affect the immune response. Therefore, if you are healthy and have received the vaccine according to the recommended schedule, routine antibody testing is typically unnecessary.

If you do undergo antibody testing and the results indicate that you have not developed antibodies, the CDC guidelines suggest that revaccination is not usually required. This is because the vaccine is designed to provide lifelong immunity in the vast majority of individuals. However, if you have specific concerns or if you are planning to become pregnant, it may be prudent to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

For women of childbearing age, it is important to note that the rubella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, and it is recommended to avoid pregnancy for at least four weeks after vaccination. This precaution is in place to prevent any potential risks to a developing fetus, as rubella infection during pregnancy can lead to serious congenital defects.

In summary, after receiving the German measles vaccine, you should wait at least four weeks before testing for antibodies. Routine testing is not typically recommended unless there are specific health concerns. If antibody testing shows no response, revaccination is generally not necessary, but it is always best to discuss your individual situation with a healthcare provider, especially if you are considering pregnancy.

Similar Q&A

How Soon to Test for Antibodies After German Measles Vaccination?

Hello, doctor: How long after receiving the German measles vaccine can I check for the presence of antibodies? If antibodies are not produced, should I receive a booster shot? Thank you!

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, regarding the German measles vaccine, I would like to know if it is intended for children or if it is an additional dose for women of childbearing age. According to the current vaccination schedule for young children, there are two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella ...

Essential Questions About German Measles Vaccine for Pregnant Women

Hello! I would like to ask a few questions. Q1: If I am planning to get pregnant, can I skip the blood test to check for antibodies and go directly to the health center to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine? Q2: I have a skin condition and am prone to allerg...

Dr. Chen Nengjin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. It is advisable to confirm the presence of antibodies through a blood test. 2. The measles vaccine and the varicella vaccine should be administered separately. 3. To avoid the risk of congenital anomalies, it is recommended to wait at least six months after receiving the m...

How Long to Wait After Vaccination to Test for Antibodies?

How long should I wait after receiving the Hepatitis B, MMR, and varicella vaccines before getting a blood test to check for antibodies?

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, you can consider getting a self-paid examination after one month. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits, and we are unable to provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Understanding German Measles Antibodies and Pregnancy: Do You Need Testing?

Hello Doctor: I was tested for rubella antibodies in 2000, and now that I want to become pregnant, I consulted a doctor about whether I need to be tested again to check if I still have the antibodies. However, the doctor told me that rubella antibodies provide lifelong immunity a...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Your thoughts are indeed correct. [Lü Lizheng] Best regards.