Follow-up study of unknowingly pregnant women vaccinated against rubella in Brazil, 2001–2002

Submitted by Priscila Nascimento ([email protected]) on 2016-05-05T14:15:28Z No. of bitstreams: 1 J Infect Dis.-2011-Soares-S729-36.pdf: 138239 bytes, checksum: d808064bc43f85635c7b079847b0d329 (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Priscila Nascimento ([email protected]) on 2016-05-05T14:16:10Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 J Infect Dis.-2011-Soares-S729-36.pdf: 138239 bytes, checksum: d808064bc43f85635c7b079847b0d329 (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Priscila Nascimento ([email protected]) on 2016-05-05T17:02:23Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 J Infect Dis.-2011-Soares-S729-36.pdf: 138239 bytes, checksum: d808064bc43f85635c7b079847b0d329 (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-05T17:02:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 J Infect Dis.-2011-Soares-S729-36.pdf: 138239 bytes, checksum: d808064bc43f85635c7b079847b0d329 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011National Immunization ProgramSecretariat of Public Health SurveillanceFundação Nacional de Saúde (FUNASA)Pan American Health Organization, BrasiliaMeasles and Respiratory Viruses LaboratoryNational School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation/FIOCRUZDepartment of Rio de Janeiro State Health, Rio de JaneiroEpidemiologic Surveillance Unit, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo State Health Department, São PauloBahia State Health Department and Public Health Laboratory, SalvadorMinas Gerais State Health Department and Central Public Health Laboratory, Belo HorizonteDepartment of Goiás State Health, GoianiaRio Grande do Sul State Health Department and Central Public Health Laboratory, Porto AlegrePernambuco State Health Department and Central Public Health Laboratory, Recife, BrazilPan American Health Organization, Washington, D.C.Instituto Tecnológico em Imunobiológicos, Fundação Oswaldo CruzBrazil conducted mass immunization of women of childbearing age in 2001 and 2002. Surveillance was initiated for vaccination of women during pregnancy to monitor the effects of rubella vaccination on fetal outcomes. Methods. Women vaccinated while pregnant or prior to conception were reported to the surveillance system. Susceptibility to rubella infection was determined by anti-rubella immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG immunoassays. Susceptible women were observed through delivery. Live-born infants were tested for anti-rubella IgM antibody; IgM-seropositive newborns were tested for viral shedding and observed for 12 months for signs of congenital rubella syndrome. Incidence of congenital rubella infection was calculated using data from 7 states. Results. A total of 22 708 cases of rubella vaccination during pregnancy or prior to conception were reported nationwide, 20 536 (90%) of which were from 7 of 27 states in Brazil. Of these, 2332 women were susceptible to rubella infection at vaccination. Sixty-seven (4.1%) of 1647 newborns had rubella IgM antibody (incidence rate, 4.1 congenital infections per 100 susceptible women vaccinated during pregnancy [95% confidence interval, 3.2–5.1]). None of the infants infected with rubella vaccine virus was born with congenital rubella syndrome. Conclusions. As rubella elimination goals are adopted worldwide, evidence of rubella vaccine safety aids in planning and implementation of mass adult immunization