Outbreaks of rubella are occurring in the United States among unvaccinated adults who were born in countries where rubella vaccination is not routine. Rubella infection during the first trimester of pregnancy can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or infants with birth defects. Collaboration among health departments and community based organizations may be useful in effectively informing and mobilizing the population at risk. Every vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration is considered safe and effective. Since the 1940s, some vaccines have contained thimerosal, a preservative containing mercury.
Thimerosal prevents bacterial contamination of the vaccine.
As part of an ongoing assessment of mercury in the environment and in products, many agencies have developed guidelines for acceptable levels of mercury. Acceptable levels are set well below any amount known to cause harm. The FDA has requested that manufacturers develop a plan to eliminate or reduce the amounts of mercury in today's vaccines. Meanwhile, because of the flexibility of the immunization schedule, healthcare providers and parents can continue to protect infants by vaccinating them against a host of devastating childhood diseases.