Immunity against rubella in premarital women five years after the nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign in Birjand

Background and Aim: In 2003, a vaccination campaign was conducted to immunize individuals aged 5 -25 years old against rubella infection. The present study aimed investigate the extent of which premarital women were immune against rubella five years after the campaignhad started. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytic study evaluated women who had been vaccinated during the national rubella vaccination campaign (2003). The anti rubella antibody (IgG) titer from among the women referred to provincial health office in Birjand,248 were randomly selectedand their anti-rubella antibody (IgG) titer was measured using ELISA method. The antibody titer above 10 IU/ml was considered as protective. Results: Mean age of the participants was 21.7?4 years ranging from 14 to 30 years. Most of them (68.7%) were living in urban areas. The majority of them (51.2%) were school or university students Only one participant's antibody titer against rubella virus was less than 10 IU/ml. Mean antibody titer was 99.77?58.8 ranging from 5.2 to 333.5. Conclusion: In light of the 99.7% rate of immunity wrong participant , the risk of "congenital rubella syndrome" in our society seems to be low. However, low titer of antibodies in a small percent of the cases prompts the worry that there will likely to be a reduction in immunity in the years. Thus, it is recommended that the present study be repeated in the following 3 or 4 years.