Rubella in the workplace: the need for employee immunization

Abstract

From 1983 to 1985, the New York City Department of Health investigated five workplace outbreaks of rubella. Approximately 40 per cent of the 265 cases were detected among women of child-bearing age (15-44 years). Data are reviewed from the 1983 Financial District outbreak to illustrate the continued susceptibility of young adults, the missed opportunities for rubella immunization, and the danger of congenital infection. A comprehensive rubella immunization program is required to protect pregnant women and eliminate congenital rubella. As one important component of this effort, employee health physicians are urged to assess the immune status of women of child-bearing age and to vaccinate all susceptibles who are not pregnant.