The Epidemiology Of Rubella, 2007–18: An Ecological Analysis Of Surveillance Data

As of 2018, the national immunisation schedule of 168 countries incorporated the rubella vaccine. Countries differed in strategies to decrease the burden of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), such as vaccinating only females. Researchers here analyzed surveillance data on rubella cases that had been reported to WHO from 2007 to 2018, by age, vaccination history, and onset year, in order to determine rubella epidemiology and ascertain the effect of vaccination. Between Jan 1, 2007, and Dec 31, 2018, they identified 139,486 reported rubella cases; among these patients, 15,613 (11%) were vaccine eligible. Findings suggest successful reduction in the burden of rubella in correlation with implementation of vaccination strategy; this was observed regardless of the strategy used. Women of reproductive age (WRA) were noted to remain at risk, however, the risk is higher in those countries that have not introduced the vaccine yet. Based on findings, they emphasize introducing the rubella-containing vaccine in these countries as soon as possible, to eliminate rubella, and to avert the morbidity and mortality linked with CRS.

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