RUBELLA TESTING (German Measles)

Rubella is an infectious disease that can be prevented by immunization with a vaccine. It should not be confused with the "regular" measles, that usually last for 2 weeks. Rubella usually lasts for 3 days. Immunization for the "regular" measles will not protect you against Rubella. If a woman catches it early in her pregnancy, she may have a miscarriage, or the child may be born deaf, blind, crippled, or with other defects. If you are immune to Rubella, you cannot catch it while you are pregnant, and you cannot give it to other women who might be pregnant. All women old enough to become pregnant should be protected against Rubella. This clinic does not provide vaccination for Rubella. You can get the vaccination from your own doctor or ask one of our staff for a referral. The immunization will be given only if a woman knows that she should not become pregnant for at least 3 months after she gets the vaccine. This means that if you are sexually active, you need to use a very reliable method of birth control for 3 months after the vaccination for Rubella.