Women of reproductive age are the population of greatest interest for the prevention of congenital rubella syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of rubella vaccination in women and to identify factors associated and motives for non-adherence. A cross-sectional population-based study, in Campinas, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, in 2008/2009, was carried out with stratified random, two-stage cluster sampling. Of the 778 women aged 10 to 49 years, 83.8% (95% CI: 79.6-88.0) reported vaccination in life. Age group (20-39 years), per capita household income greater than 3 times the minimum wage and orientation of health care professionals about the vaccine, were positively associated with rubella vaccination. The main motives for non-adherence were lack of orientation of professionals about their importance (48.5%) and not consider it necessary (18.9%). The recommendation of professionals was the factor most strongly associated with women's adherence to vaccination. In this sense, an indication of vaccination by health care teams can increase the knowledge about the importance their and benefits.293579588