Parents urged to immunise their children as WC sees drop in infant immunisation coverage

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness (WCDoHW) has expressed concern about a decline in immunisation coverage for children under the age of one.

According to data from the department, 67.4% of infants were inoculated during the 2024/2025 financial year - a 27.6% drop from the provincial expected target of 95% immunisation coverage.

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Immunisation is important as it protects you 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 2025. 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,’’ said the WCDoHW in a statement.

According to the World Health Organisation’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), vaccination prevents 4 million deaths globally each year.

Senior Specialist in Infectious Disease at Tygerberg Hospital, Dr Heather Finlayson, said vccines not only protect children who receive them but also those who are 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 are urged to visit their nearest clinic to check their child’s Road-to-Health Booklet; ensure all scheduled vaccines are up to date; and bring children who have missed doses for catch-up immunisations.

The department called on all parents, caregivers, and community leaders to increase immunisation coverage and prevent outbreaks

Bush Radio News reported in April that the City of Cape Town has also noted a decrease in child vaccinations compared to previous years.

 

Done By: Mitchum George