Implications of rubella susceptibility in young adults

Rubella history and antibody titre were determined for 457 medical, graduate, and physician assistant students. Eighteen per cent were estimated at risk for rubella. There were no male-female differences. Health-profession students did not differ in rubella immune status from the general population. History was not helpful in assessing immune status. Approximately one-half of persons with low antibody titres had considered themselves immune, while one-half with moderate to high antibody titres had considered themselves at risk. Less than one-half of students with low antibody titres available themselves of immunization which was recommended and offered. With a high percentage of adult females at risk for rubella even in a health-motivated population and with poor follow-up on recommended immunization, current immunization practices must be improved if congenital rubella syndrome is to be further reduced. Mass inoculation of school age males and prepubertal school age females without prior determination of rubella antibody titres is suggested as a cost-effective means of decreasing incidence of congenital rubella syndrome.