Rubella Protection Campaign

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 2, 14 June 1983, Page 2

Rubella Protection Campaign

The Waimarino's Public Health Nurse, Ms Glenis Francis, confirms that the figures just released in a nation'al survey on rubella protection by the Department of Health, apply locally. The rubella (German measles) protection campaign does achieve a 98-99% level of immunity in Form 1 schoolgirls according to Mr R. Campbell Begg, director of the health promotion division of the Health Department. Of the women who had babies in February of this year, 94% were found to be immune to rubella and the majority of the remainder found to be unprotected were immunised after birth of their babies to give a

total immunity of 99%. There was no room for complacency however, said the director, as there was likely to be an increase in rubella in New Zealand in 1983 and 1984 following the increase recorded in the United Kingdom. "It is imperative," said Dr Begg, "that no woman should plan a pregnancy unless she is sure that she is immune to rubella." Congential rubella with its disastrous consequences for the young baby was avoidable. It was up to the community, health professionals, public and especially young women, to make this a reality in the lighi of the wide availability of immunisation, c-oncluded Dr Begg.

w Ms Francis, who will be conducting the annual immunisation campaign in local schools during the 2nd Term says that any parents of young girls who are not sure if their daughters have had rubella or have been immunised should check with their local GP. A simple blood test will reveal the presence or otherwise of the antibodies which provide life-long immunity. It is very easy for a mild attack of rubella to pass unnoticed or if they have had symptoms similar to measles it could have been mistaken for an attack of English measles whijJ^ doesn't provide immur^B said Ms Francis. Ms Francis strongly urged all women of child bearing age in the Waimarino to check with their local doc- . tor and have the simple blood test done.