Student Health

All Women of Child-Bearing Age Need Protection Against German Measles. Are you Protected? Please Read This...

German Measles is a relatively mild viral infection but it can be devastating to the foetus of a pregnant woman if she suffers this during her pregnancy - causing a number of congenital malformations of the baby when born. Examples are: congenital deafness, congenital cataracts, cardiac abnormalities, prematurity, mental retardation and other anomalies.

Women and their unborn children can be protected from German Measles either by a previous attack or by immunisation before the woman becomes pregnant.

It is important therefore for all women of child-bearing age to know whether they have protection. If they do not it is a simple matter for us to offer this protection. Usually protection is offered to all girls in Form 1 at school or pre-school. Any woman who is in her child-bearing years and who is uncertain whether she is protected against German Measles (Rubella) is advised to consult a doctor or nurse in the Student Health Service. The doctor will take a blood sample to test for her immunity and if she is not protected, she can be immunised.

If you are in doubt or would like more information please phone Student Health at 721-000 ext. 802, or call into the Service and have a word with one of the nurses or doctors.

For your interest, we are carrying out a survey on Rubella status; and our results so far show that about one third of females over 20 years do not have immunity. So come and see Dr Fleming, Dr Bird, Lynne or Ann; it's so easy for us to find out for you.