Rubella is a type of virus infection. All children in the UK should be immunised against Rubella shortly after their first birthday. Vaccination, unfortunately, does not always result in that individual being protected indefinitely. Rubella is generally a mild illness which characteristically produces a rash. However if a pregnant woman acquires the infection during the first half of pregnancy there is a risk that the baby in the womb may be severely affected.

The vaccination can't be given to pregnant women and for this reason it is important that each time a woman plans to get pregnant she should have a blood test before she actually becomes pregnant to check that she is still protected. If not protected then she can be given the vaccination. However, if she is already pregnant then the vaccination may only be given once the pregnancy is over.

If a pregnant woman is not sure if she is protected against Rubella and she is in contact with someone with a rash she should seek medical advise quickly.