Rubella Vaccine
Vaccination schedule
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1 year
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First Grade
The disease
Rubella, an illness caused by the virus RuV (rubella virus), causes a pink skin rash, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, eye inflammation, headaches, and aching and swollen joints and testicles. Rubella complications include inflammation of the brain and a disposition to bleed due to decreased blood platelets. In pregnant women, it can cause a miscarriage or fetal damage known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which may involve heart damage, developmental delay, deafness, and more.
The vaccine
The rubella vaccine is a component of the MMRV vaccine, which also contains vaccines against measles, mumps, and chicken pox. It is administered as part of the routine vaccination for infants and children.
Separate vaccines are provided for individuals with a known sensitivity to one or more components of the MMRV vaccine. You can discuss the possibility of dividing the vaccination with the Family Care Center (Tipat Halav) nurse.
| Vaccine composition | Vaccine administration |
| Live attenuated rubella viruses | By injection to the arm |
The influence of the vaccine in Israel: rubella was one of the most common infectious diseases in Israel. In 1972, 17,000 cases of rubella were reported, and 20 babies were born with the congenital rubella infection. In 1973, the rubella vaccine was introduced as part of routine vaccinations, and the number of patients decreased to only a few cases.
Vaccine completion: if your child is in school age and has not been given a rubella vaccine, which is included in the birth to 18 years immunization schedule, you can contact the school nurse to schedule the vaccine completion. In addition, the health staff of the school will inform you of complementary vaccines your child needs and help you schedule them with your consent.
Possible side effects and how to relieve them
A small portion of individuals may experience side effects after getting the vaccine, but these are usually mild and resolve on their own:
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Redness, pain and swelling at the injection site -
Fever -
Rash -
Extremely rare phenomena
- Redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site: localized symptoms may appear within four days after vaccination. You can apply a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water to the injection site and avoid massaging the area.
- Fever: the temperature may rise within 3-7 days after vaccination. You can administer an analgesic to help relieve pain or reduce fever.
- Rash: can appear within 42 days after vaccination.
- Rare phenomena: upper respiratory tract inflammation, runny nose, enlarged lymph nodes and salivary glands, appetite loss, diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, weakness, crying, lack of sleep, irritation, testicle inflammation, and seizures. You can administer an analgesic to help relieve pain or reduce fever.
When to seek medical attention at an HMO or emergency medical center after the vaccination
- If your child appears apathetic.
- If fever lasts beyond 24-48 hours.
- If there are changes in appetite and eating patterns beyond 24-48 hours.
- In cases of seizures (often related to fever but should be examined).
- If bruises appear on the skin.
- If any other phenomenon causes concern.
If your child experiences symptoms after getting vaccinated in school - please inform the school nurse.