Rubella Vaccination in Australia: 2. experience with the ra27/3 rubella vaccine and results of a double‐blind trial in schoolgirls

Abstract

RA27/3 rubella vaccine (Almevax) was used for the first time in Australia. The seroconversion rate was similar to that seen with Cendehill vaccine (Cedevax), but there were fewer subjects with low antibody titres after Almevax vaccine. Although Almevax vaccine was associated with a significantly higher incidence of sore throat, rash and joint involvement in seronegative adults, the incidence of side effects in a double-blind trial in schoolgirls was similar for the two vaccines, and the morbidity was low in both groups. Almevax vaccination successfully boosted low antibody titres in 11 of 14 women who had previously responded poorly to Cendevax vaccination. It would be difficult to differentiate the better vaccine for the schoolgirl programme. In some clinical situations, however, one vaccine has advantages over the other.