Premarital rubella screening in Rhode Island

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Immunization
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Rhode Island mandates rubella serological screening for marriage license applicants.
• Rubella infection poses risks, particularly during pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of Rhode Island's premarital rubella screening law.
• To assess immunization rates and identify barriers among susceptible women.

Main Methods:

• Survey of 203 rubella-susceptible women identified via premarital screening in 1978.
• Survey of primary care physicians regarding their immunization practices.

Main Results:

• 37% of surveyed susceptible women received rubella immunization.
• 42% were eligible but unvaccinated; 21% were pregnant or infertile.
• Physician recommendation and direct vaccine offering increased premarital immunization.
• 24% of physicians reported immunizing none of their susceptible patients.

Conclusions:

• The premarital screening law identified susceptible women but did not ensure immunization for all.
• Physician engagement is crucial for improving rubella vaccination rates.
• Further interventions are needed to reach eligible unvaccinated individuals.