Rubella immunity emphasised

Press, 7 April 1987, Page 40

Rubella immunity emphasised

PA Wellington The importance of immunisation against rubella is being emphasised by the National Heart Foundation in its publicity for World Health Day tomorrow.

“There is not a lot we can do to prevent developmental heart disease but immunisation can prevent rubella or German measles in pregnancy, an important cause of congential defects,” said Dr David Hay, the medical director of the foundation. "Rubella immunisation is one of the Department of Health’s success stories.”

“I am told that 98 per cent of Form 1 girls have been immunised but there are still women in their 20s who have not been

protected and immunity checks are desirable before pregnancy. “When I was a medical student in 1949 I reported the details of over 100 children who suffered deafness, heart disease and other defects as a result of rubella in pregnancy. We have come a long way since then and now only about three cases are notified each year. “The only way to maintain this degree of prevention is to ensure that all girls and young women are immunised. “This is one of the important messages for World Health Day,” said Dr Hay. Rubella immunisation is available without charge from public health nurses or family doctors.