Australia becoming " Rubella " Free !

Back in the 1950's the disease that was most feared in pregnancy was Rubella, or as it was colloquially called " German Measles ".  It was endemic and if caught in the first trimester the most likely outcome was stillbirth or defects that persisted for a lifetime.

Unfortunately, it was also hard to detect.  The symptoms were mild and it often showed itself by way of a rash, nausea, a low fever and conjunctivitis.   Many women were unaware that they were experiencing Rubella but in about eighty five percent of cases there were serious side effects to the developing foetus and many babies were born deaf.   It was also responsible for a rash of heart problems that continued into later life.

In 1971 a vaccine for Rubella was developed and Australia instituted a vaccine campaign that targeted schoolgirls.  This produced the opportunity to eliminate the disease from Australia and in 1989 this vaccine was combined in the general programme for the control of measles and mumps given to all children of both genders at one year and with a repeat at eighteen months.

The result has been dramatic.  Last year Australia experienced just eight cases of Rubella and it is most likely that these were caught overseas.   That vaccine campaign has achieved the " herd protection " sought here but it is still endemic in many other parts of the world.  That is one of the reasons why the movement to reject all forms of vaccination can provoke holes in the safety net that has virtually eliminated  Rubella from this country.

In Recent times travel has come within the financial reach of most Australians and we figure highly on the world travel scene.    We are also a travel destination for the rest of the world, and annually we accept many migrants who take permanent residence in this country.   It is therefore inevitable that we will come in contact with Rubella from areas where it is still endemic.

Families who oppose vaccination and shield their children from this form of protection are doing harm to that herd effect.  Unvaccinated girls of child bearing age will probably travel overseas and will undoubtedly come into contact with new arrivals here who may be susceptible to Rubella.  We are aware that a few localities fall below the ninety-five percent vaccination target that is required for the herd effect to kick into protective mode.

There has been a fallacy that somehow vaccinations are spreading autism in our community and some gullible people firmly believe that, despite denials by scientists and medical professionals.  Unfortunately, this has gained a following that uses deception and goes to great lengths to avoid this obligation and the net is slowly tightening.   These unvaccinated are being refused entry to many forms of early childhood amenities.   The " common good "  makes it essential that this form of coercion continues unabated  !