Rubella vaccine is used on its own or in combination with other vaccines.
This medicine is used to prevent rubella. Rubella, also known as German measles is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, rash, headache, and eye irritation.
Rubella vaccine is usually given as part of combination vaccine called MMR, which protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.
Rubella vaccine is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscle) or subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh or upper arm).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The total number of injections you will receive will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your vaccination depending on your age.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Rubella vaccine.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Rubella vaccine and any of its component such as egg protein and gelatin.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high fever
- infection e.g. untreated lung infection known as TB (tuberculosis)
- weak immune system or family history of immune system problems
- blood disorder
as Rubella vaccine may not be suitable for you.
Do not use this medicine if you had a blood transfusion or if you received other blood products.
Do not use Rubella vaccine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Rubella vaccine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while using this medicine. Avoid pregnancy for at least 3 months after you stop taking this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- moderate or severe illness (with or without fever)
- history of brain injury
- history of fits or seizures
- bleeding disorder
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
If you are going for diagnostic tests (e.g. tuberculin test) inform your doctor that you are using this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. Do not receive any other vaccinations without first asking your doctor.
Rubella vaccine may cause any of the following side effects: fever, rash, irritability, headache, nausea, cough and redness, pain, swelling, and bruising at the injection site.
Other side effects include any of the following: inflammation of the mucous membranes in the eye, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, tiredness.
Brief fainting spells can happen after vaccination. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes after a vaccination can help prevent fainting and injuries caused by falls.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- frequent and persistent sore throat with fever
- signs of an allergic reaction e.g. swelling of the face, mouth, lips, tongue, or throat
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (a disorder that attacks healthy nerve cells causing numbness and tingling sensation in your arms and legs)
- seizures
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor if you are taking medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not allow to freeze. Protect from light.
Once the powder is mixed with water for injection, refrigerate the solution. Throw away any unused portion after 8 hours.
Keep away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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