The best way to avoid catching rubella is to be immunised with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Advice for parents
The MMR vaccine is part of the routine childhood immunisation programme. One dose is given to a child at around 13 months of age. A second booster dose is given before they start school, usually between three and five years old.
Contact your GP if you are uncertain about whether your child’s vaccinations are up to date.
It is also possible to have the MMR vaccination at any age. If you suspect that your immunisation is not up to date and you are at risk of catching mumps, measles or rubella, your GP may recommend that you have the MMR vaccine. For example, this may be necessary if there is an outbreak of measles, or if you are a woman planning to get pregnant (see below).
If you are already immunised, having the MMR vaccine again will not cause you any harm.
Planning a pregnancy
If you are considering trying for a baby, ask your GP to test your immunity to rubella before you become pregnant. As immunity to rubella can wear off over time, it is important that your immunity level is checked by your GP before every pregnancy.
If the test shows that you have very few or no rubella antibodies, you will be offered the MMR vaccine to protect you against rubella. You can have the MMR vaccine before you become pregnant, but not during pregnancy. After having the MMR vaccine, you should take care to avoid becoming pregnant for one month.
If you are pregnant
If you are already pregnant, you will be offered a rubella immunity test by your GP or midwife as part of your antenatal care. Most women are immune and no further action is required.
If you are not immune to rubella, try to avoid anyone who has the rubella virus. Inform your GP if you come into contact with anyone who has the rubella virus.
You can receive the MMR vaccination after giving birth to protect you against rubella in the future. The MMR vaccine can be given to breast-feeding mothers without any risk to their baby.
Limiting the spread of infection
Someone who has the rubella virus is infectious for one week before symptoms appear and for up to six days after the rash first starts. To limit the risk of infecting other people, follow the advice below.
- if you have rubella, stay off work for six days after the start of the rash
- if your child has rubella, keep them off school for this period as well
- avoid all contact with pregnant women for at least a week from the start of the rash
Exposure to others
If you come into contact with someone who has rubella, you only need to contact your GP if you then go on to develop symptoms or if you are pregnant.
‘Contact’ includes any face-to-face contact, or being in the same room for more than 15 minutes.
