The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has raised concern over a significant decline in immunisation coverage for children under one year-old during 2024/2025.
Provincial data shows that coverage has fallen to 67.4%, marking a 27.6% drop from the provincial target of 95%. This decline leaves thousands of infants unprotected against serious diseases such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus.
Low immunisation rates have already had visible consequences. The department recently conducted a mass vaccination campaign in Khayelitsha following a measles outbreak in which 60 cases were confirmed as of 6 October 2025. Measles can be life-threatening, particularly in children who are not immunised.
The department warns that 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, said 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.”
Dr Finlayson said 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.”
For parents, the importance of immunisation extends beyond statistics.
Dr Masudah Paleker, public health medicine specialist and new mother to an almost five-month-old baby girl, said, “As a public health medicine specialist, I’ve always known how vital immunisation is, but as a new parent, this has become even more real to me. Vaccines protect our children from preventable diseases and help keep our families, neighbours, and broader communities healthy. I encourage all parents to ensure their children are up to date with their vaccinations; it’s one of the simplest and most powerful ways to safeguard their future.”
Samantha-Lee Jacobs from Somerset West said, “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 said, “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 reflected on how vaccination has changed lives.
“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.”
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is urging parents and caregivers 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.
The department reiterated that vaccination protects both individual children and entire communities.
It called on all parents, caregivers, and community leaders to help increase immunisation coverage, prevent outbreaks, and support the drive for a healthy and safe society.
For more information or assistance, residents are encouraged to visit their local clinic, where healthcare providers will assist with immunising children at no cost.
Weekend Argus
