Rite Aid is your destination for all immunizations. And your Rite Aid Immunizing Pharmacist is always ready with the information and vaccinations you need to shield you from rubella. Rubella — sometimes called German measles or three-day measles — is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Rubella symptoms can include a rash, joint pain and muscle pain. Rubella is a very serious concern during pregnancy when rubella can harm or even kill an unborn fetus. Birth defects may include deafness, cataracts, heart defects, intellectual disability, and liver and spleen damage.
Rubella is spread through the air by droplets that result when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
In children, the symptoms of rubella usually last 2-3 days and are:
Before the rash appears, older children and adults may also have swollen glands and cold-like symptoms. Aching joints occur in many cases, especially among young women. About 25% to 50% of the people who get rubella do not have symptoms.
The rubella vaccine is contained in the MMR vaccine and will prevent the disease. The MMR vaccine contains live, weakened rubella virus in addition to vaccines to protect against measles and mumps.
MMR vaccination is recommended at ages 12-15 months. A supplementary dose is advised when children are 4-6 years old — before kindergarten or 1st grade.
For unvaccinated women who may become pregnant, a rubella vaccination before they become pregnant is crucial to avert the risk of serious birth defects that may occur if rubella is contracted during pregnancy.
It is recommended that children get vaccinated with two doses of MMR.
(These ages are recommended, but children can get the second dose at any age, as long as it is at least 28 days after the first.)
You SHOULD get the MMR vaccine if you do not have evidence of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella and:
If you fit the above criteria, rest assured your Rite Aid pharmacist is always ready with advice and vaccinations to shield against rubella and a host of other infectious diseases — without hassle or appointment.
You DO NOT need the MMR vaccine if:
These articles are not a substitute for medical advice, and are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or medication regime.