Communicated by: IOL (Tracy-Lynn Ruiters)
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.”