The effects of CRS can vary enormously, but hearing loss, visual difficulties and heart problems, are common. Vaccinating against Rubella Most women today choose to protect themselves from rubella by being immunised before they become pregnant, and this has greatly reduced the numbers of children affected. Even if a woman has already been immunised however, it is important that she has a blood test before becoming pregnant to ensure that she is still immune. The rubella vaccine is now given to children when they are between 12 and 15 months old. This is given in combination with the vaccines for measles and mumps - called the MMR vaccine .
Children receive a booster injection before they start school.
Recently the MMR vaccine has been the subject of much media debate - visit the MMR vaccine page for more information.