Rubella vaccine and arthritic adverse reactions: an analysis of the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) database from 1991 through 1998.

OBJECTIVE

The United States Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine (IOM) reported in 1991 that the evidence indicates a causal relationship between the currently used rubella vaccine and acute and chronic arthritis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the associated arthritic reactions reported following rubella immunization from 1991 through 1998 to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) database.

METHODS

A certified copy of the VAERS database was obtained from the CDC. Microsoft Access was used to analyze the database.

RESULTS

The results show that rubella vaccine is associated with a number of arthritic reactions reported to the VAERS database.

CONCLUSION

Adult female patients need to make informed decisions on whether or not rubella vaccination is right for them. Doctors and patients must together make an informed consent decision about the risk verses the benefit to the patient in their particular life situation. Additionally, those patients who have had an adverse reaction to rubella vaccination should be informed that they may seek compensation under the no-fault Vaccine Compensation Act, which is administered by the US Claims Court.