City Health ramps up child vaccination efforts

7 January 2025

The department is hosting outreaches, but also encourages parents to visit their nearest clinic for assistance.

With a 90% vaccination rate for children under one year, City Health has surpassed the national target of 85%.

	July 2022 – June 2023	July 2023 – June 2024
Fully immunised under one year	29 738	29 380
DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV (Hexavalent) fourth dose	30 018	29 041
Td dose at six years	12 915	12 873
Td dose at 12 years	5 781	6 441

However, the recent concern about the rise in diphtheria cases has once again highlighted the need to ensure that every child is fully vaccinated.

City Health is therefore urging all parents and caregivers to prioritise childhood immunisations, to protect against preventable diseases and curb the risk of outbreaks. In recent days, staff have also conducted a number of outreaches to ramp up vaccination rates.

'I am pleased that we are achieving our immunisation targets, but it is critical that we maintain and even improve on our coverage, to better protect vulnerable groups in our communities. The recent increase in diphtheria cases is a serious concern. Diphtheria is a preventable but life-threatening disease, and ensuring that every child is vaccinated is critical to safeguarding their health and the well-being of our communities.

'Soon, children will be back at school and crèche, where they'll come into contact with other children. We have a duty to ensure that each and every child is protected, by keeping up to date with their vaccination schedule. If your child has missed any vaccinations, I urge you to visit your nearest City Health clinic without delay,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent diseases such as diphtheria, measles, and polio. They protect individuals and contribute to community immunity, reducing the overall spread of these illnesses.

The Road To Health Booklet (RTHB) is a vital record for tracking immunisations. If you notice any missed doses in your child's booklet, visit the nearest City Health clinic for catch-up vaccinations.

In the public sector, children receive 16 immunisations between birth and the age of 12. Of these, 14 are administered in the first 18 months of their lives.
Children who are not up to date with the vaccination schedule, can still get the vaccinations
Documents required for vaccinations are the caregiver's ID, the child's birth certificate and their Road to Health booklet
If you do not have the documents, you can still visit the clinic and the child will be vaccinated
If you have lost the Road to Health book, inform healthcare workers so that a copy of the booklet can be issue

City Health clinics offer free immunisation services. Parents can visit any facility or make an appointment to avoid the queues. Wellness pop-up sites and open days also provide convenient opportunities for vaccination.

For more information or assistance, visit your nearest City Health clinic or check the full immunisation schedule here.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office

City Health Department