If a postpartal rubella antibody screen indicates a patient is not immune to rubella, what is the recommended action?

When a postpartal rubella antibody screen indicates that a patient is not immune to rubella, the recommended action is to receive the vaccination immediately before discharge after childbirth. The rubella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, which is safe for the mother to receive even if she is breastfeeding. Vaccination at this time ensures that the mother has adequate immunity against rubella before her next pregnancy, as rubella can cause serious congenital defects if contracted during pregnancy.

Receiving the vaccination immediately is essential to establish immunity quickly and prevent potential future complications associated with rubella in subsequent pregnancies. The timing ensures that the mother is protected before any future planned pregnancies occur, as it typically takes several weeks for immunity to develop after vaccination. Overall, this approach aligns with the recommendations of health organizations that advocate for immediate vaccination postpartum for women identified as non-immune.