Vaccination of seronegative high-risk populations with attenuated rubella vaccine.

A total of 590 young females were screened for rubella antibodies. About 10% were seronegative, the frequency being lowest in vaccinated school girls. No coincidence between rubella and mumps seronegativity was observed. Forty-nine seronegative persons were vaccinated and 67 seropositive persons were vaccinated as controls. Vaccination resulted in a clearcut, albeit slow, IgG-response, and IgM-response in most and no IgA-response. Side effects were observed in both groups but a rubella-like minor illness was seen in seronegatives only. Careful screening of rubella antibody status in high risk groups such as female medical and nursing students is emphasized.