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Rubella is a mild disease with
a fever and a red blotchy rash. It is impossible
to diagnose with confidence on clinical features
alone as it mimics any number of viral illnesses.
It is therefore important to keep in mind that
a blood test or saliva test should be obtained
if you really wish to confirm infection with this
disease.
Though mild, this disease causes devastating
malformations, deafness and even death to foetuses
if a pregnant mother contracts rubella in the
first 3 months of gestation.
Both little boys and girls, thus need to be immunised
against rubella because they are the ‘reservoirs’
of infection with the very real potential of infecting
their own mothers, aunties, teachers and family
friends with the disease.
Rudivax brand.
This is the brand of rubella vaccine manufactured
by Sanofi Pasteur – MSD in Lyon, France. The strin is called Wistar RA27/3
Meruvax brand.
This is manufactured by Merck and co., Inc in
the USA.Same strain Wistar RA27/3.
SII Brand
This is the same strain (Wistar RA27/3) of rubella vaccine this time manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. Giving you a wider choice.
Constituents etc.
They both contain the Wistar RA 27/3 strain
of rubella virus. Both cultured in human diploid
cells and also contain lactalbumin. They are free
from Thiomersal or any other mercury based preservative.
Side Effects.
These are mild and usually comprise a fever, rash, diarrhoea or
aching muscles in the first day or 2 after the
jab or a mild rubella like rash with fever during
the incubation period of a week or 2.
Some recipients could get a a temporary joint
swelling or pain usually of the hands.
Rare serious side effects including allergic reactions, brain/nerve inflammation and joint inflammation have been recognised.
The vaccine is not infectious and therefore poses
no danger to contact with a pregnant mother after
receiving the jab.
Boosters.
The vaccine needs boosting after an interval of at least 3 months (usually boost at pre-school age) similar to the measles and mumps vaccines.
Author: Dr.D.D.Ratnasinghe.
Oct 2008.
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