Seroepidemiology study of rubella antibodies among pregnant women from seven Asian countries: evaluation of the rubella vaccination program in Taiwan

During 2003-2004, approximately 13% of birth in Taiwan was given by foreign-born females. The aims of this study were to compare the seroprevalence of rubella antibodies between Taiwan-born and foreign-born pregnant women and evaluate the effect of rubella vaccination program in Taiwan. We reviewed the rubella antibody test results of 5007 women during routine pregnancy check-ups at Fooyin University Hospital during 1999-2002. In Taiwan-born women, rubella antibody was undetectable in 29.2%, 7.3%, and 8.3% of the cohorts born before 1971, between 1971 and 1976, and after 1976, respectively. In the cohorts born between 1971 and 1976 and after 1976, pregnant women born in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Philippines had significant higher chances of being susceptible. Our results suggested that the voluntary adult vaccination program was not as effective as the school or wipe-out programs. Both Taiwanese women born before 1971 and foreign-born women were more likely to be susceptible to rubella. The introduction of 'catch-up' immunization program and enforcement of the checking of immunization record and/or blood test before pregnancy for these women are necessary in preventing CRS.