Immunizations

Rubella-Containing Vaccines Are Safe, Effective, and Provide Long Immunogenicity

A new literature review1 confirms the safety, immunogenicity, and duration of protection for rubella-containing vaccines. Findings showed that 1 and 2 doses of rubella vaccines are “highly immunogenic for a long period of time,” are effective for preventing rubella and congenital rubella syndrome, and are safe.

Rubella vaccines have been circulating since 1969.2 The first rubella vaccine in the form of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) was approved for use in the United States in 1971.2 However, information about the immunogenicity, duration of protection, effectiveness, and safety of rubella-containing vaccines needed to be updated.

To bridge the knowledge gaps, the researchers performed a literature review via the EMBASE and SCOPUS databases and included original research papers published between January 1, 2010, and May 17, 2019. In all, 125 papers were included in the analysis.

“Meta-analysis of immunogenicity data showed 99% seroconversion (95% CI: 98–99%) after a single dose of RCV in children, independent of co-administration with other vaccines,” the researchers wrote. “Seroconversion after RCV1 below 9 months of age (BRDII strain, at 8 months) was 93% (95% CI: 92–95%).”1

Duration of protection ranged widely among the studies, but ultimately seropositivity was found to range from 88% to 100%.

Analysis of the randomized controlled trials showed that participants (N=34,332) had experienced 140 severe adverse events potentially related to a rubella-containing vaccine. However, no such events were reported among pregnant women (N=3000).

While rubella was eradicated in the United States in 2015, rubella still has endemic hotspots around the world.3 Individuals who do not have immunity to rubella are recommended to receive a rubella-containing vaccine before traveling to Africa, the Middle East, and South and Southeast Asia.3

—Amanda Balbi

References:

  1. van den Boogaard J, de Gier B, de Oliveira Bressane Lima P, et al. Immunogenicity, duration of protection, effectiveness and safety of rubella containing vaccines: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Vaccine. 2021;39(6):889-900. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.12.079
  2. Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Rubella. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated: December 2020. Accessed: February 8, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/rubella.html
  3. Traveler’s Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed: June 24, 2019. Accessed: February 8, 2021. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/travel-related-infectious-diseases/rubella