Rubella Immunity in Women of Childbearing Age, Eight Years After the Immunization Program in Iran

Abstract

Background:Rubella is a viral disease with a worldwide distribution. Mass vaccination campaigns have increased the vaccine coverage in the world with substantial impact on reduction of rubella infections. In Iran, the national measles-rubella campaign, targeting individuals 5-25 years old, was initiated in 2003 and mass childhood vaccination against measles, rubella and mumps has continued ever since.Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of routine vaccination on rubella immunity among women of childbearing age in Babol, north of Iran.Patients and Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on 812 women of childbearing age living in Babol, north of Iran, in 2011. Twelve samples were excluded from the study because of inadequate sera amounts. Serum samples were examined for presence of rubella-specific IgG antibodies by means of quantitative ELISA.Results:From a total of 800 samples in this study, rubella IgG seropositivity was seen in 786 (98.3% [95% CI = %97.5-%99.1]) cases. The maximum IgG seropositivity (99.2%) was seen in the age group of 21-25 years old and the lowest immunity (87.7%) was in the group of above 30 years old.Conclusions:Our data indicated that the rate of seropositivity to rubella virus in our population was high, suggesting that vaccination has been successful in Babol, reducing the likelihood of congenital rubella infection.

Sero-epidemiological evaluation of rubella immunity among pre-marriage women in Iran

“…12,19 While results of the Barari Sawadkohi et al study showed a contradict trend. 20 The rate of rubella immunity in migrants is relatively lower. Greenaway et al showed that immigrant women were more susceptible to rubella (Odds ratio = 1.7).…”

Seroepidemiology of Rubella in Women Under 25 Years Old Attending Medical Centers in Ahvaz, Iran in 2013

“…In Iran, until 2003, vaccination against rubella was not routinely performed and seroepidemiological studies revealed that 10% of susceptible women of reproductive age were exposed to rubella infection. Seroepidemiological assessment, following public vaccination against Measles-Rubella in 33 million 15 to 25 year-old people showed that more than 97% had gained immunity to rubella ( 9 - 12 ). Currently, rubella-measles-mumps vaccines are routinely administered together to 12 and 18 month-old children; however, because of changes in immunity level over time ( 13 - 15 ), it is necessary to conduct periodical assessment of immunity to rubella in susceptible age groups in various parts of the country to prevent CRS.…”