Information about Rubella (German Measles)

Rubella is known as a mild disease in children under the age of 10, but it can cause birth defects if pregnant women are exposed to it. For this reason immunization is important. This viral disease causes a rash around 18 days after exposure. The rash is usually mild and accompanied by fever and swollen glands.

MMR should not be given to sick children, although a mild cold is not a problem usually. If your baby suffers from a compromised immune system, or is prone to allergies or has had a blood transfusion, you should discuss this vaccination with your doctor before it is administered. It is also important to discuss subsequent inoculations with him if the reaction to the first one is severe.