‘Immunisation is a simple and effective way of protecting children, and adults, from a number of serious diseases. It not only helps protect individuals, but this protection extends to the broader family and community by minimising the spread of disease,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

Immunisation is the process of inducing immunity against an infective organism/agent in an individual.

‘Vaccines work by triggering the immune system to fight against a disease. Should a vaccinated person come into contact with the disease they’re immunised against, their immune system is able to respond more effectively, preventing the disease from developing or greatly reducing its severity,’ explained Councillor van der Ross.

The theme for World Immunisation Week from the World Health Organisation is: Long Life for All. In pursuit of a long life well lived.

In the past year, much emphasis has been placed on Covid-19 vaccines. This continues to be a priority for the health sector, especially in light of the over 4 000 new cases diagnosed in one day on Wednesday, 21 April. Persons over 60 years and those with comorbidities are encouraged to get vaccinated and return for their boosters as these will prevent severe disease that may result in hospital admissions. 

However, with winter fast approaching, City Health also encourages immune-compromised individuals to ensure they receive a flu vaccine. City clinics have received a limited amount of stock, with older persons and those more at risk of severe illness receiving priority.

Then there is also the children’s Immunisation schedule, which is tracked using the ‘Road to Health’ booklet.

In South Africa, children should be vaccinated at birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, 9 months, 18 months, 6 years and at 12 years old 

All these vaccines are available free of charge at City clinics.

Below is a breakdown of children under the age of 12 months who were fully immunised over the past three financial years:

	2019/2020	2020/2021	2021/2022
Cape Town Eastern Health sub-District	3 822	3 855	4 459
Cape Town Northern Health sub-District	3 659	3 809	4 034
Cape Town Southern Health sub-District	4 979	5 395	5 224
Cape Town Western Health sub-District	4 044	3 874	4 040
Khayelitsha Health sub-District	3 752	3 433	3 611
Klipfontein Health sub-District	4 780	4 134	4 557
Mitchells Plain Health sub-District	7 416	7 479	7 095
Tygerberg Health sub-District	5 421	4 549	4 898
CCT Total	3 7873	3 6528	3 7918

‘The table shows consistency in the number of children who have been fully immunised by the time they are a year old. It is heartening to note that parents have adhered to the immunisation schedule, despite disruptions caused by the pandemic,’ said Councillor van der Ross.

To mark the week, all clinics will have daily talks on the topic and Area Central will host an event on Friday, 29 April 2022 at Ikhwezi hall in Gugulethu. 

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