Cape town: The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children are fully immunised as the province prepares to launch its National Immunisation Catch-up Drive from 1 to 30 November 2025. The initiative aims to close the immunity gap caused by missed vaccinations.
According to South African Government News Agency, there has been a decline in infant immunisation coverage below the provincial 95% target, leaving many children at risk of diseases such as measles, polio, tuberculosis (TB), diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus. Currently, the department is responding to a measles outbreak in Khayelitsha by providing mass immunisation services at schools, preschools, and healthcare facilities to curb the spread of the disease.
Healthcare teams are also conducting contact tracing following a rise in diphtheria cases in the Cape Metropole. The department emphasized the importance of improving immunisation coverage to provide herd immunity and protect vulnerable populations from preventable diseases.
Throughout November, all public health facilities in the Western Cape will offer free catch-up immunisation services for children who may have missed routine doses. No appointment is needed, and local outreaches are planned within communities. Parents are encouraged to contact local clinics for outreach schedules, although immunisations are also available at private providers for a fee.
In addition to healthcare facilities, teams will visit schools and preschools for immunisations and health checks. Parent or caregiver consent is required for immunisation, and consent forms will be provided by children’s teachers.
The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) ensures children receive vaccines at key developmental stages, protecting against serious diseases. As children grow, they receive booster shots to maintain protection. Girls aged nine years and older are also offered the HPV vaccine with parental consent to help prevent cervical cancer.
Dr. Heather Finlayson, Senior Specialist in Infectious Disease at Tygerberg Hospital, emphasizes that vaccines are safe, well-researched, and crucial for building healthy children and communities. She warns that even a slight drop in vaccination coverage can reverse years of progress, urging parents to ensure their children are fully immunised. Vaccines are available free of charge at all public health facilities.
Parents are advised to check their child’s Road-to-Health Booklet for up-to-date vaccinations and to catch up on any missed doses. Vaccination not only protects individual children but also entire communities by preventing outbreaks.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness calls on parents, caregivers, and community leaders to advocate for immunisation, aiming to protect children and build a healthy, safe, and resilient society.