City Health marks World Immunisation Week with renewed call for childhood vaccinations
28 April 2026
To kick off the start of World Immunisation Week, the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, joined healthcare workers, partners, caregivers and families for an immunisation awareness event at Eastridge Clinic in Mitchells Plain this past Friday, reinforcing the importance of routine childhood vaccinations.
Observed globally from 24 to 30 April, World Immunisation Week highlights the legacy of vaccines and the millions of lives saved. This year’s theme is ‘For every generation, vaccines work’.
This event comes as City Health raises concern over declining immunisation rates across Cape Town. Between July 2025 and March 2026, City Health administered 294 894 doses of vaccines to children up until the age of 12, compared to 310 786 in the previous comparative period.
The number of fully immunised children under the age of one declined by 3.6%, leaving more children vulnerable to preventable diseases such as measles, diphtheria, polio and pneumonia.
‘At Eastridge Clinic, I had the opportunity to meet with mothers, caregivers and healthcare workers who are doing the important daily work of protecting children through immunisation. World Immunisation Day is not only about vaccines, but it is also about people, families and the shared responsibility we carry to protect one another.
‘However, we have large groups of children who are under-vaccinated and who are subsequently vulnerable to vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, especially measles. This is a serious concern that requires all of us to work together,’ said Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.
Protecting children, strengthening communities
Recent data shows that vaccination coverage among children under one year remains below desired levels, and that continued effort is needed to ensure all children are protected.
When children miss scheduled vaccinations, they and others in the community become more vulnerable to preventable diseases. Recent outbreaks of measles and diphtheria have shown how quickly these illnesses can spread when protection is incomplete.
City Health encourages residents to reflect on the youngest members of their communities - babies in prams, toddlers holding their caregivers’ hands, and children full of promise and potential.
‘Immunisation is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways we can protect our children and communities. Vaccines shield children from diseases that once caused great suffering, including measles, polio, tuberculosis, pneumonia, tetanus and diphtheria. They also give parents peace of mind and allow children to grow, play, learn and thrive,’ said Councillor Higham.
By vaccinating a child, families are not only protecting that child, but also helping to safeguard siblings, neighbours and the broader community through collective protection.
‘If a child has missed a vaccination, it is not too late. Our clinics are here, our healthcare workers are ready to help, and we walk this journey with families. The first 1 000 days of a child’s life are critical, and every clinic visit, every vaccine, and every small step you take builds a stronger and healthier future for your child,’ added Councillor Higham.
The Road to Health booklet remains an important tool for tracking a child’s growth and vaccinations, our online booking system makes it easy to book an appointment, and clinic staff are always available to explain the schedule, answer questions and assist with catch up vaccinations.
How to access immunisation services
City Health encourages parents and caregivers to:
- Visit their nearest City clinic with their child’s Road to Health booklet, or
Make an appointment via the City’s Healthcare Appointments System, which helps reduce waiting times and makes planning easier,
Speak to clinic staff if they are unsure about vaccination schedules or catch up doses.
Caption: Councillor Francine Higham with staff at Eastridge Clinic.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
