What should be done if a pregnant woman is found to have low rubella immunity?

When a pregnant woman is found to have low rubella immunity, the appropriate course of action is to administer the rubella vaccination postpartum. This is because live attenuated vaccines, such as the rubella vaccine, are contraindicated during pregnancy due to the potential risk of teratogenic effects on the developing fetus. Vaccinating during pregnancy could expose the fetus to the live virus contained in the vaccine, which poses an unnecessary risk.

By waiting until after delivery, the vaccine can safely be administered without endangering the health of the mother or the baby. Administering the vaccine postpartum allows the mother to build up her immunity, which is important not only for her own health but also to prevent her from contracting rubella in any future pregnancies. It is crucial for women of childbearing age to have adequate rubella immunity before becoming pregnant, and this can be achieved through timely vaccination after childbirth. This approach ensures the safety of both the mother and the infant while still addressing the issue of low rubella immunity effectively.