Rubella

  • Vaccine-preventable diseases

    Vaccines are one of the most effective public health interventions, and an accelerating pace of innovation in vaccine development promises to deliver a broadening range of novel or improved vaccines in coming years. Despite this, there are many challenges facing control efforts for vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD). Coverage of basic childhood vaccines through routine healthcare systems…

  • Congenital Rubella Syndrome Does Not Increase with Introduction of Rubella-Containing Vaccine

    Rubella infection is typically mild or asymptomatic except when infection occurs during pregnancy. Infection in early pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital rubella syndrome. Only individuals that are still susceptible to rubella infection during child-bearing age are vulnerable to this burden. Rubella-containing vaccine (RCV) is safe and effective, providing life-long immunity. However, average age-at-infection…

  • Report from the World Health Organization's immunization and vaccines-related implementation research advisory committee (IVIR-AC) ad hoc meeting, 28 June – 1 July 2024

    The World Health Organization’s Immunization and Vaccines-related Implementation Research Advisory Committee (IVIR-AC) serves to independently review and evaluate vaccine-related research to maximize the potential impact of vaccination programs. From 28 June – 1 July 2024, IVIR-AC was convened for an ad hoc meeting to discuss new evidence on criteria for rubella vaccine introduction and the…

  • Feasibility of measles and rubella vaccination programmes for disease elimination: a modelling study

    Background Marked reductions in the incidence of measles and rubella have been observed since the widespread use of the measles and rubella vaccines. Although no global goal for measles eradication has been established, all six WHO regions have set measles elimination targets. However, a gap remains between current control levels and elimination targets, as shown…

  • Examination of scenarios introducing rubella vaccine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Background Rubella vaccine has yet to be introduced into the national immunization schedule of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC); the current burden of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is unknown and likely to be high. An important consideration prior to introducing rubella containing vaccine (RCV) is the potential inverse relationship between RCV coverage and…