La vacuna de la rubéola y el embarazo

Abstract

Rubella is a viral infection that when it occurs during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, could cause congenital rubella embryophaty (CRE) with devastating consequences for the developing embryo and fetus. CRE includes serious birth defects such as: cataracts, deafness and heart disease, among others. However the frequency of CRE has decreased dramatically since the general use of rubella Vaccine. The immigrant population in Spain constitutes a group of concern for rubella infection among other infectious diseases due to the lack of previous vaccination in many individuals. Thus, a vaccination programme towards immigrants, specially all young women should be considered. Pregnant women should not be vaccinated, and women who are not pregnant should avoid conceiving for at least 28 days following vaccination. However if a vaccination occurs during pregnancy, the potential risk is only theoretical and a tranquilizer counseling should be performed together with a high resolution ecography.