Seroepidemiology of rubella in Saudi Arabia: an adapted vaccination policy

Rubella haemagglutination antibodies were tested for in sera of 1793 unvaccinated subjects with age ranging from birth to 40 years. This was to assess the immune status of the population and to see the feasibility of introduction and the proper age for rubella vaccination in a Saudi community. Those with titres of greater than or equal to 1:8 were considered as seropositive. The lowest level of antibodies was seen among the 10-18 month age group. All children aged 2-5 years were seropositive as were 75% of the elementary school girls. Only 90-95% of the women of childbearing age were seropositive, however, leaving an immune gap of 5-10%. Unnecessary mass vaccination of young children is discouraged. Rubella vaccine should be given to all final elementary school girls and all women of childbearing age after screening, whenever possible. Special catchment zones are suggested for the latter group. Further nationwide seroepidemiological surveys are recommended for the other parts of the Saudi Kingdom.