Rubella, also called German measles or 3-day measles, is a disease caused by the rubella virus. Rubella is generally a mild illness that does not result in long-term problems.

The rubella virus is most often spread through droplets of fluid from the mucous membranes that contain the virus. An infected person can spread these droplets by coughing, sneezing, talking, or sharing food and drinks. You can become infected by touching a surface contaminated with the droplets and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands.

A rubella blood test identifies antibodies to the rubella virus in a sample of blood. This information can help a doctor determine whether a recent infection was caused by the rubella virus. It is also used to determine whether you have been vaccinated against rubella or are otherwise immune to the virus. Sometimes, a viral culture may also be used to determine whether a current infection is caused by the rubella virus. However, the results from this test may not be available for several weeks.

In the United States, the rubella vaccine is part of the normal childhood measles (rubeola), mumps, and rubella immunization (MMR). The rubella vaccine protects 90% of immunized people from getting this disease.1 Before a standard nationwide vaccine program began in 1969, rubella outbreaks occurred every 6 to 9 years. From 1969 to 1999, the number of rubella cases in the U.S. decreased by 99%.2 However, about 10% of young adults in the U.S. have not had the rubella vaccine.

Photocopies of immunization records showing that you have had an MMR vaccination and booster can serve as proof. If you received your first immunization as an infant, make sure you also received a second MMR booster after you turned 4. Your physician may also complete this section of the questionnaire (they must also rubber stamp their signature). If you cannot locate your immunization records, you should get a blood titer test, a small draw of blood from which your immunity is measured.

A.    You should also know that the viruses that cause measles (rubeola) and german measles (rubella) are unrelated.

We recommend that you complete your immunizations before you arrive for classes. If that is not possible, you may receive the inoculations or be tested for immunity at Health Services (by appointment) for the following fees: Free immunizations are also available at the Chelsea Health Center . It is located at 303 Ninth Avenue (between 27th & 28th Streets). The hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 AM to 2:30PM . The phone number is 212 676-2273.

To ensure that the University is at minimum risk for an outbreak, we are required to enforce New York State immunization requirements. Students who fail to comply will not be permitted to register for the following semester. Yes, you may register after receiving the first dose. Since it is medically necessary that you wait for at least 28 days between MMR vaccines, you are granted temporary compliance for 28 days from the date on which the first vaccine was administered.

These diseases are common in other parts of the world and are just a plane ride away. If we stop vaccinating against these diseases, many more people will become infected. No. Breastfeeding offers temporary immunity against some minor infections like colds, but it is not an effective means of protecting a child from the specific diseases preventable by vaccines. The price paid for natural disease can include paralysis, retardation, liver cancer, deafness, blindness, or even death.

CONCLUSION: Women experiencing intimate partner violence both prior to and during pregnancy are at risk for multiple poor maternal and infant health outcomes, suggesting prenatal risks to children from mothers' abusive partners. Silverman JG et al Intimate partner violence victimization prior to and during pregnancy among women residing in 26 U.S. states: associations with maternal and neonatal health. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Jul;195(1):140-8.

Arthralgia (joint pain) and transient arthritis (joint redness or swelling) following rubella vaccination occurs only in persons who were susceptible to rubella at the time of vaccination. Joint symptoms are uncommon in children and in adult males. About 25% of post-pubertal women report joint pain after receiving rubella vaccine, and about 10% report arthritis-like signs and symptoms.

In accordance with New York State Public Health Law, Section 2165, all matriculated students (i.e., admitted into a degree program) who were born on or after January 1, 1957 must provide acceptable written proof of adequate immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella. The Certificate of Immunization outlines the exact requirements.

No, MMR vaccine does not and never did contain thimerosal. Varicella (chickenpox), inactivated polio (IPV), and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines have also never contained thimerosal.

Show proof of Measles, Mumps Rubella and Rubeola immunization at the Klotz Student Health Center. If you do not have a letter from your doctor in English stating the date on which you received the immunization, you will have to either take the immunization, a blood test to prove immunity, or sign a waiver.

You might not think that these diseases are a serious threat today because you don't see or hear much about them, but they still are around. If we stop vaccinating against these diseases, many more people will become infected. Vaccinating your child will keep him or her safe.

YES. Beginning in August 2000, the Health Service will be able to obtain Measles, Mumps, Rubella blood titers (3 titers in one blood test) for a very discounted price of $60 (usual cost is $304). Laboratory proof of immunity is an acceptable alternative to receiving the required vaccines. This will be very helpful to new international students who are from countries that do not give these vaccines, or for students who cannot find their childhood records.