WESTERN CAPE NEWS - The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is concerned about a decline in immunisation coverage for children under one year during 2024/2025.
Provincial data shows coverage has decreased to 67.4%, which is a 27.6% drop from the provincial expected target of 95% immunisation coverage.
This leaves thousands of infants unprotected against serious diseases such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus.
Low immunisation rates have immediate consequences, such as the department providing mass vaccination due to a recent measles outbreak in Khayelitsha, where 60 cases were confirmed as of 6 October.
Measles can be life-threatening, particularly in children who are not immunised. Declining coverage also weakens herd immunity, making outbreaks more likely and placing vulnerable children at risk.
Dr Heather Finlayson, Senior Specialist in Infectious Disease at Tygerberg Hospital, notes:
“The World Health Organisation’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) celebrated 50 years in 2024. Globally, vaccination prevents 4 million deaths each year. The South African Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) protects children from diseases that can cause school absence, hospitalisation, or death.
"Vaccines not only protect children who receive them but also those too young or medically vulnerable. When rates drop below 95%, outbreaks of measles and diphtheria appear. Vaccines are safe, well-studied, and essential for building healthy children and communities.”
“Even a small drop in vaccination coverage can undo years of progress. We urge all parents and caregivers to make sure their children are fully immunised. Vaccines save lives and are provided free of charge at all public health facilities,” says Dr Finlayson.
Parents’ Perspectives
Samantha Lee-Jacobs from Somerset West:
“I believe in proactive health and wellness, and I follow in the same path that my own parents took with me. Immunisations are tried and tested and have already resulted in the total eradication of some diseases. My daughter is young, and I have opted to make use of all available immunisations for her age, including some of the privately encouraged ones. I trust in the medicinal benefits of protecting her against future diseases, promoting wellness as prevention remains better than a cure.”
Natalie Watlington from Fairways:
“Both my girls recently received their HPV vaccinations, a simple and seamless process done right at their school by a caring school nurse. As a parent, I choose to vaccinate my children because I trust the expertise of our health professionals. Just as I would rely on a doctor’s knowledge when my child has a cold or any health concern, I trust that they know what’s best when it comes to prevention, too. They’ve dedicated years to studying health and keeping us safe, and just as I’m the expert in my own field, I believe in letting the experts guide me in theirs.”
Leensie Lötter from Paarl:
“Growing up, I knew a lady who had polio as a child and saw how the disease had a lifelong effect on her physical wellbeing, a reality my children will hopefully never encounter thanks to years of successful vaccination campaigns against this deadly disease. As a mother, I’ve made sure that my children’s vaccinations are up to date and even consented for my eldest to receive a booster immunisation for measles during an outbreak a few years ago. I want to give my children the best chance at staying healthy, and when my daughter is old enough, I’ll also ensure she receives the HPV vaccination.”
Parents are urged to:
- Visit their nearest clinic to check their child’s Road-to-Health Booklet.
- Ensure all scheduled vaccines are up to date.
- Bring children who have missed doses for catch-up immunisations.
Vaccination protects both individual children and entire communities.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness calls on all parents, caregivers, and community leaders to increase immunisation coverage and prevent outbreaks and support the department in becoming advocates for change and to ensure a healthy and safe society.
For more information or assistance, contact or visit your local clinic, and our healthcare providers will assist with immunising your child at no cost.
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