How does it work?

This vaccine contains a live, attenuated (weakened) strain of the rubella virus. It provokes the body's immune response without causing the disease. Many infectious diseases occur only once in a lifetime. This is because the body produces antibodies in response to the disease. These remain in the body and repel any future attack with the same organisms. The duration of this immunity varies but can last a lifetime. Protection against many infections can be provided artificially by means of vaccines derived from altered forms of infecting organisms. These vaccines stimulate the immune system in the same way as genuine infection. They provide long-lasting active immunity. The organisms stimulate the production of a specific type of antibody and therefore a different vaccine must be used for each disease. This vaccine provides immunity against German measles. Some vaccines remain effective for a lifetime, but others need to be updated after a few years. "Booster" injections are not normally required with the Rubella vaccine. In the past this vaccine was given routinely to girls between the ages of 10 and 14. This has now been replaced by the combined MMR (measles, mumps & rubella) vaccine which should be given to all children. The rubella vaccine should be offered to women who were not immunised in childhood. This will reduce the risk of damage to the unborn child should a pregnant women contract German measles.

What is it used for?

Vaccination against German measles

Warning!

The vaccine should not be given to pregnant women. Women of child-bearing age should avaoid becoming preganant for one month after the vaccination. Theoretically, the vaccine virus could have an effect on the foetus.

Not to be used in

Allergy to aminoglycoside antibiotics

Malignant or cancerous disease

People with decreased natural defences against disease or infection (impaired immune response)

Sudden illness

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available regarding the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Rash

Fever (pyrexia)

Inflammation of one or more joints (arthritis)

Swollen glands (lymph nodes)

Pain in the joints (arthralgia)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

There are no reported interactions with this medicine.

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