City Health urges parents to vaccinate young children as immunisation rates dip slightly

29 April 2025

City Health has noted a decrease in child vaccinations compared to previous years. As World Vaccination Week draws to a close, parents are reminded to take advantage of the extra week off school and get their children’s vaccinations up to date. Read more below:

World Vaccination Week is commemorated annually during the last week of April.

Between July 2024 and March 2025, City Health administered 310 786 doses of vaccines to children up until the age of 12.

It was just over 2,6% lower than the corresponding period the previous year.

The number of fully immunised children under the age of one too declined by a similar margin.

'The decreases are marginal, but ideally, we want to see growth year on year so that we can improve immunity against illnesses, some of which can be fatal. In recent years, we have had outbreaks of measles and diphtheria – sure signs that there is room to improve our immunisation coverage. Children receive most of their vaccinations in their first year of life, so I encourage parents to please ensure that they remain on track for their child's well-being, and that of those around them,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

Parents and caregivers are advised to reach out to their nearest clinic for more information and guidance.

1.     The BCG or Bacillus Calmette Guerin vaccine protects against severe TB. It is administered at birth or the six-week visit.

2.     The OPV or Oral Polio Vaccine protects against polio, which attacks nerves, causing weakness or paralysis of the leg and/or arm, and in severe cases, involve the respiratory muscles. Given at birth, six, 10 and 14 weeks.

3.     The RV or Rotavirus vaccine protects against diarrhoea caused by the rotavirus. Given at six and 14 weeks.

4.     The DTaP-IPV-HiB-HBV vaccines protect against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus Influenza Type B and Hepatitis B. Given at six,10 and 14 weeks.

5.     The PCV or Pneumococcal Conjugated Vaccine protects against meningitis, otitis media (ear infection), pneumonia, and bacteraemia (bacterial infection in the blood). Given at six and 14 weeks and at nine months.

6.     The Measles Vaccine protects against measles, an infection that can lead to diarrhoea and dehydration, deafness, eye complications, pneumonia, brain damage and even death. Given at six months and one year.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office