Health dept urges parents to get children vaccinated for Rubella

The Department of Health has urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children are up to date with their Rubella vaccinations as the country is experiencing an increase in cases.

Rubella is an infectious viral disease affecting children and adults. It spreads through droplets from coughing or sneezing and can also be transmitted from mother to foetus during pregnancy.

The Department says it is currently making the Measles-Rubella vaccine available as part of its Expanded Programme of Immunisation.

“The disease generally causes a mild illness in children and adults, but it can lead to death, miscarriages, stillbirth or severe birth defects in infants among pregnant women unless early diagnosed or treated. This combined vaccine replaces the standalone measles vaccine and is administered at 6 and 12 months of age. In the private sector, Rubella protection is included in the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, which is typically given between 12 and 15 months of age,” says Health spokesperson Foster Mohale.