'Rubella, vaccinate before it's too late', United Kingdom, 1980-1999
Rubella or German measles is an infection caused by a virus that is passed from person to person through droplets in coughs and sneezes. It is an example of the Second World War motto ‘Coughs and sneezes spread diseases!’. Rubella commonly affects young children, causing a mild fever and a red rash. If, however, contracted by pregnant women, the virus can cause birth defects such as deafness, blindness and heart and brain damage. When the vaccine was introduced in 1970, it was only offered to pre-pubescent girls and young women who intended to start families, but is now available to all children.
Object number:
1999-241/19
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: poster
Notice, usually printed on paper, intended to be posted to advertise, promote, or publicise an activity, cause, product, or service; also, decorative, mass-produced prints intended for hanging.
Glossary: rubella
A mild but highly contagious virus infection, causing swelling of glands in the neck and a widespread pink rash. Rubella is more common during childhood.