Neutralizing antibodies after rubella vaccination of newly delivered women: a comparison between three vaccines.

Neutralizing (NT) antibody titres against rubella were determined in sera of 114 newly delivered women vaccinated with the Cendehill strain (Cendevax), the HPV-77 DE-5 strain (Meruvax) or the RA27/3 strain (Almevax). Blood samples were obtained before and 8 weeks as well as 2 years after the vaccination. Eight weeks after the vaccination NT antibodies were found in 56, 79 and 95% and after 2 years in 82, 94 and 100%, respectively. The differences between Cendevax and Almevax were statistically significant. Eight weeks postvaccination the median NT antibody titres were found to be 2, 4 and 4, respectively, while after 2 years the titres had further increased with one titration step. Levels of NT antibodies were observed to increase also after 8 weeks, i.e. during the period 8 weeks to 2 years postvaccination.