Rubella is a viral infection transmitted from person to person by droplets via coughs and sneezes. In healthy individuals it is usually a mild disease. Up to 50 % of individuals infected with rubella may not show symptoms. However, if a woman gets rubella shortly before getting pregnant or during the first three months of pregnancy, it is very likely to result in miscarriage or congenital anomalies known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).
This ECDC communication toolkit aims to support EU/EEA countries in their communication initiatives to increase immunisation uptake, in particular childhood vaccination. It provides template materials that health authorities can adapt to develop their own communication initiatives, in line with national, regional or local strategies and needs.
ECDC organised a meeting among invited experts to exchange cross-disciplinary perspectives on the issue of MMR vaccination refusal among the general European population.