Rubella Virus Vaccine, Live (By injection)
roo-BELL-a VYE-rus VAX-een, lyve
Prevents rubella (German measles).
Drug classes
Vaccine (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Rubella virus vaccine live is an active immunizing agent used to prevent infection by the rubella virus. It works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the virus infection.
Rubella (also known as German measles) is a serious infection that causes miscarriages, stillbirths, or birth defects in unborn babies when pregnant women get the disease. While immunization against rubella is recommended for everyone, it is especially important for women of child-bearing age.
Immunization against rubella is also important for employees in medical facilities, adolescents and adult men, persons traveling outside the U.S., and all children 12 months of age and older, including school-aged children.
Immunization against rubella is not recommended for infants less than 12 months of age, because antibodies they received from their mothers before birth may interfere with the effectiveness of the vaccine. Children who were immunized against rubella before 12 months of age should be immunized again.
You can be considered immune to rubella only if you received rubella vaccine on or after your first birthday and have the medical record to prove it, or if you have had a blood test showing immunity to rubella. A past history of having a rubella infection does not prove immunity, because the signs of rubella infection are not reliable enough to be certain that you have had the disease.
Since vaccination with rubella vaccine may not provide protection for everyone, you may want to ask your doctor to check your immunity to the rubella virus 6 to 8 weeks following your vaccination. This may be especially important if you are a woman of child-bearing age who is likely to become pregnant in the future.
This vaccine is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor or other health care professional.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.
When Not To Use
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to rubella vaccine, gelatin, or neomycin. You should not receive this medicine if you are pregnant. You should not receive this medicine if you are using medicines that weaken the immune system such as steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation. You should not receive this medicine if you have a high fever, HIV or AIDS, blood problems, or any tumor.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have received a blood transfusion or treatment in the past 3 months.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have tuberculosis (TB) or any blood disease.
Women who receive this vaccine should wait 3 months before getting pregnant.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
High fever, fainting, dizziness, or headache.
Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Burning, pain, redness, or swelling at the site of injection.
Mild fever or joint pains.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Meruvax II
There may be other brand names for this medicine.