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2007 Rubella Policy (57 kB) |
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Page updated 30 April 2007
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Know that you are immune by infection or immunisation Rubella is dangerous to the fetus if caught during pregnancy Patients with undiagnosed rashes must be isolated Staff with a viral rash illness must not come to work |
Rubella (German measles) is highly infectious and the fetus of a pregnant woman may be severely affected if she acquires the disease early in pregnancy. It is only by ensuring that all staff (including males) are immune, that cross infection in the hospital environment can be prevented. The aim of ensuring that all staff are immune is to prevent the acquisition and spread of rubella by all health care workers and subsequent transmission to patients.
The objectives are:
All staff members will attend the appropriate Occupational Health Department before commencement of employment. Clerical and administrative staff must undergo rubella screening in order to determine their immunity. Screening consists of examining serum for antibodies. Those who are not immune will be given rubella vaccine as soon as is practicable. The screening will normally be done before employment commences. Staff already in post who have not been checked should attend the Occupational Health Department at the earliest opportunity. Medical staff on rotational appointments or visiting staff must be included.
Rubella screening and immunisation should be done and documented before students start on the wards.
Voluntary Services Organisations should, wherever possible, encourage their volunteers to accept screening for rubella if they work in obstetric, gynaecology and children's departments. Screening is available from the Occupational Health Department.
Immunisation of healthcare workers is now performed with a single dose of MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine. Rubella vaccine alone is not available.
No references to date.
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