MMR is an 'appropriate alternative', say experts

The combined measles, mumps and rubella immunisation would only be necessary for women who have no other protection against the German measles virus.

Rubella can lead to babies being born with deaf, blind, or with heart problems.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises the government, recommended the move.

Shortages

The Department of Health said there was currently enough of the single rubella vaccine available to immunise new mothers, or women who were planning to become pregnant, if they needed it.

Women without immunity tend to be those who did not receive either the MMR jab or the single rubella jab as children.

Should there come a time when no single vaccine is available, MMR is an appropriate alternative Department of Health spokesman

But there are known shortages of the single rubella jab in other parts of the world, and the government asked the JCVI for advise on what measures could be introduced if the supply should run out.

A woman cannot be vaccinated against rubella during pregnancy, but can be given the jab before or afterwards if she is not already immune.

Giving MMR to children became controversial after some scientists suggested the jab may be linked to autism and bowel disease.

However, no research has ever proved a link, and the overwhelming majority of experts believe the vaccine is safe.

'Unprotected'

A spokesman for the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation said: "The committee has concluded that women of child-bearing age who are unprotected against rubella need to be offered a rubella containing vaccine and should there come a time when no single vaccine is available, MMR is an appropriate alternative to protect such individuals."

A Department of Health spokesman said: "We currently have enough single rubella vaccine to meet our present contract and are also inviting tenders to supply single rubella vaccine when this contract runs out.

"However, the Department has asked for advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation on what plans should be in place in case supplies of the vaccine become exhausted.

"The committee has concluded that women of childbearing age who are unprotected against rubella need to be offered a rubella containing vaccine and should there come a time when no single vaccine is available, MMR is an appropriate alternative to protect such individuals."