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Rubella Vaccine
Vaccination schedule
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1 year
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First Grade
About rubella
Rubella is caused by the virus RuV, which gives people a pink rash on their skin, fever, swollen lymph nodes, eye inflammation, headaches, and joints and testicles that hurt and feel full. Some problems that can happen after getting rubella are brain inflammation and a tendency to bleed because of fewer platelets in the blood. 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.
About the vaccine
The rubella vaccine is given as part of the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine, which also includes vaccines against measles, mumps, and chickenpox, as part of the routine vaccination program for infants and children.
The rubella vaccine is usually given as part of the MMRV vaccine, which also includes vaccines against measles, mumps, and chickenpox. In certain situations, the MMR vaccine, which does not include the chickenpox component, can be given. Side effects may vary slightly depending on the vaccine formulation used.
You can consult a family care center (Tipat Halav) nurse about the appropriate vaccine formulation.
| Vaccine composition | Vaccine administration |
| Live attenuated rubella viruses | By injection to the arm |
Impact of the Vaccine in Israel: Rubella was one of the most common viral diseases in Israel. In 1972, 17,000 cases of rubella were reported in Israel, and 20 babies were born with congenital rubella syndrome. In 1973, the vaccine was added to the immunization schedule, and the number of cases dropped to just a few.
Catch-Up Vaccination: If your child is school-aged and has not previously received the rubella vaccine, which is included in the immunization schedule, you can contact the school nurse to arrange catch-up vaccination. In addition, the school health team will inform you about the need for catch-up vaccinations and help coordinate them with your consent.
More information about catch-up vaccinations
Duration of Protection
In most cases, after receiving two doses of the vaccine, protection against rubella lasts a lifetime.
Possible Side Effects After Vaccination and How to Relieve Them
Common Side Effects:
- Redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area, and avoid massaging or rubbing it.
- Fever: More common after the first dose. You can give a medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
- Measles-like or chickenpox-like rash: The rash is not contagious and usually goes away without treatment.
Rare Side Effects:
- Febrile seizures: They are usually associated with fever. The seizures are not dangerous and do not cause long-term effects, but it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
- Swelling of the cheeks or neck: This is not contagious and usually goes away without treatment, but it is important to monitor it.
Temporary decrease in the number of platelets in the blood: If bruising or unusual bleeding occurs, it is important to seek medical attention. - Severe allergic reaction: If difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or tongue occurs, call Magen David Adom (MDA) immediately at 101 and go to an emergency department.
Common Side Effects:
- Redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area for relief.
- Temporary joint pain and stiffness: More common in adolescent girls and adult women. You can give a medication to relieve pain and make sure to get plenty of rest.
Side Effects That May Occur:
- Fever and irritability: May occur 5 to 12 days after vaccination and usually go away without treatment within a few days.
Rare Side Effects:
- Febrile seizures: They are usually associated with fever, but it is important to seek medical attention. If this is the first seizure the person has ever had, seek immediate care at an emergency department.
- Temporary decrease in the number of platelets in the blood: If bruising or unusual bleeding occurs, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
- Severe allergic reaction: If difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or tongue occurs, call Magen David Adom (MDA) immediately at 101 and go to an emergency department.
When to seek medical attention at an HMO or emergency medical center after the vaccination
- If your child seems unusually tired or unresponsive.
- If your child has a fever that lasts more than 24–48 hours.
- If changes in your child's appetite or eating habits last more than 24–48 hours.
- If your child has a seizure. Seizures are usually caused by fever, but it is important to seek medical care.
- If your child has unexplained bruising or unusual bleeding.
- If your child has any symptom or reaction that concerns you.
If your child experienced any side effects after receiving a vaccination at school, please report them to the school nurse or the school's health care provider.