Attenuated Rubella Virus Vaccine in Women: Clinical Trials During the Postpartum Period

THE OBJECTIVE of immunization against rubella is the protection of women of child-bearing age. In some countries Public Health authorities plan to vaccinate all children against rubella to eliminate susceptible subjects who spread the infection. It seems possible in this manner to eliminate the need for immunization of adult women. Others plan to vaccinate girls at about 13 years of age. In France, children have acquired natural immunity by that age. Initially we shall not administer vaccine at a younger age since we do not know yet the duration of the immunity conferred by the available vaccines. Thus, in France, vaccination of adult women will be necessary.At the present time we do not know whether attenuated rubella virus strains completely lack teratogenic potential, and it is important to avoid administering rubella vaccine during pregnancy. Even if it becomes possible to demonstrate that these vaccine strains are not teratogenic, it