Rubella is an acute viral infection, predominantly observed in children, and belongs to the category of childhood infections. Vulnerability depends on the genetic predisposition of the ethnic population. Rubella does not have pronounced symptoms that are dangerous to humans. However, it carries a great risk for pregnant women with the threat of miscarriages, stillbirths or irreversible pathologies and deformities in the fetus. The entire list of negative factors that this infection causes in an unborn child is called congenital rubella syndrome. Rubella is a controlled infection, that is, a vaccine has been developed for it, which is included in the national calendar of many countries around the world.
Vaccination of children and adults
A specific prevention of rubella in the form of vaccination has been developed. It is carried out in conjunction with mumps and measles, the MMR trivaccine at the age of 1 and 6 years, and for girls also at 14, if not previously vaccinated. This need is due to the fact that a growing body needs to develop immunity to these three diseases. If the first vaccine did not help produce antibodies, then a subsequent one at an older age will help recreate immunity to the virus.
Usually children tolerate vaccination without any complications. The only thing that can bother them is a seal at the injection site. Rarely – pain in the joints and muscles. If a child under 1 year of age has not been vaccinated against rubella, then it can still be administered up to 18 years of age. If the vaccination was carried out at 1 year, then it is repeated again at the age of 15-17 in combination with the mumps vaccine. It is advisable to vaccinate children in order to reduce the risk of infection for pregnant women.
Every year, about 100 thousand babies are born in the world who become carriers of rubella. They get it from their mothers. That is why expectant mothers should take care not only about themselves, but also about their offspring and get vaccinated. This will protect yourself from the possible risk of infection. It is best to vaccinate before planning a pregnancy. According to medical workers, there has never been a case when a vaccinated mother would give birth to a child with rubella. This suggests that the vaccine is indeed able to save two organisms at once by producing the necessary antibodies.
For men, rubella injections will help prevent possible infection of other women and children with whom they come into contact. They usually vaccinate people who are registered with local medical institutions and at a certain age. For adults, this is 22-29 years old. The rubella vaccine is valid for 10 years. The next age for vaccination is 32-39 years. Immunizing men also keeps women and children safe from possible exposure to the virus.
The response of the body to the rubella vaccine
The vaccine is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Adults and adolescents are given an injection of the drug into the outer part of the shoulder or under the shoulder blade. For preschool children – in the thigh area. In no case should the drug be injected into the gluteal muscles. This is due to the fact that in this area there is a huge amount of subcutaneous tissue, which is fraught with the appearance of seals and a decrease in the ineffectiveness of the vaccine.
Reactions to injections are commonly referred to as side effects. This is a set of symptoms that are not the target of vaccination. They are local and are formed exclusively at the injection site. The main manifestations are compaction and soreness. There are also general symptoms that are associated with the reaction to the vaccine of the whole body. This is an increase in temperature, weakness and so on.
These side effects are not pathological. This is the process of integrating the whole organism with the vaccine, during which protective antibodies are produced. These symptoms do not occur in all vaccinated people. According to statistics, no more than 20% of those vaccinated were bothered by such negative reactions.
The most common post-vaccination symptom is fever. It is not recommended to reduce it, especially in children, as this is a natural reaction of the body to the introduction of the virus.
In addition, reactions on the skin in the form of bright pink, purple spots are possible. As a rule, it disappears in a few days, but if such a rash appears, it is better to see a doctor in order to exclude possible risks. In rare cases, there is pain in the joints, signs of arthritis. In children, this side effect practically does not occur, most often it occurs in adolescents and adult women. However, it goes away within a week.
The most important thing when vaccinating is to properly prepare. It is advisable not to drink alcohol, visit a doctor for a preliminary examination before vaccination, and also ask all your questions about the drug that is being administered. In this way, all dangerous consequences can be avoided. It should be noted that adverse reactions in children are rare. Their presence is reduced to a minimum.
If the vaccination was made more than 10 years ago, it is recommended to take tests for the presence of antibodies to rubella. If they are detected, post-vaccination immunity is preserved. And in their absence, or low titer, it is recommended to undergo revaccination.