Post-partum MMR immunisation rates in rubella-susceptible antenatal women

Abstract

Rubella, an insignificant viral disease of childhood, can have devastating effects on the fetus if infection is acquired during pregnancy. An immunisation programme was established in the UK in the 1970s, with the monitoring of pregnant women for rubella susceptibility and post-partum immunisation for those found to be susceptible. This policy has recently been reviewed by the National Screening Committee. This study examined records of 115 rubella-susceptible pregnant women (defined as rubella IgG titre < 10IU/ml) identified in a South Wales Health Board area in 2010. Of these, 101/115 (88%) were offered post-partum immunisation and 77/101 (76%) of those accepted the offer. In total, 38/115 (33%) left maternity services care without receiving post-partum immunisation. The study also showed that 32/53 (60%) of those reported as susceptible had received two doses of an appropriate vaccine; this has implications for the proposed changes to screening where two doses would be presumed to be protective.