Serological response to rubella revaccination
M. K. Serdula, S. B. Halstead, N. H. Wiebenga and K. L. Herrmann
To document the serological response, 21 seronegative rubella vaccinees
(hemagglutination inhibition [HI] titer less than 10) were revaccinated
with RA 27/3 rubella vaccine. All demonstrated an anamnestic response.
Although RA 27/3 vaccine was an effective booster, antibody boost was not
maintained in some persons. Of 15 persons tested, 24 to 27 months after
revaccination, six had a significant HI antibody drop (fourfold or
greater); only one had lost all detectable HI antibody. Although all 21
study participants were initially HI seronegative by rubella HI testing, 16
(76.2%) possessed neutralization and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
antibodies before revaccination. As more persons with vaccine-induced
immunity join the adult population pool, more sensitive test methods may be
needed to assess serological status accurately.
