Current status of rubella in the United States, 1969-1975.

Implementation of the rubella immunization policy in the United States has resulted in marked decreases in the number of reported cases of both rubella and CRS. Emphasis on immunization of one- to 12-year-old children has resulted in a dramatic reduction in reported rubella in this age group. Accordingly, the proportion of reported cases occurring in adolescents and young adults has increased. Therefore, it seems appropriate to place more emphasis on immunizing susceptible adolescent and adult females as an adjunct to routine immunization in early childhood. This joint strategy should result in a further decrease in the incidence of rubella and CRS.