The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has called on parents, caregivers, and communities to prioritise the complete and timely immunisation of children, emphasising that protecting children from preventable diseases is part of upholding their right to health, life, and dignity.
Nkomo-Ralehoko’s call come at the back of recent data from the department which shows that 213,389 children under the age of one year were fully vaccinated during the 2024/25 financial year, translating to 82.3% coverage, which falls short of the provincial target of 90%. Similarly, only 78.4% of children received their second dose of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, well below the 92% target.
While Sedibeng Health District leads with excellent performance achieving 98% full immunisation under one year, and 96.1% MR second dose coverage, metro districts such as Tshwane (76.6%), Ekurhuleni (78.6%), and Johannesburg (85%) continue to face challenges meeting the targets. "Failing to complete a child’s immunisation schedule is not just a medical oversight, it is a silent threat to their well-being, and a subtle form of neglect.
"We must all recommit to protecting the rights of our children by ensuring they receive every scheduled vaccine on time, because a healthy child is a protected child," urged MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
Immunisation is a simple yet powerful intervention that protects children against life-threatening diseases such as measles, rubella, polio, and hepatitis B. While immunisation services are freely available at all public health facilities in Gauteng, not enough children are completing their vaccination schedules, putting them at risk and straining the province’s ability to build herd immunity.
The department has identified poor adherence to follow-up appointments, as one of the contributing factors to underperformance in certain districts.
In response, GDoH has strengthened community education on the importance of follow-up vaccinations and roll out coordinated vaccination campaigns during school holidays, partnering with Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) teams and outbreak response units.
Children receive their vaccines according to the national Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) schedule, beginning at birth and continuing through age 12. Each visit is recorded in the Road to Health Booklet, a vital health record that parents must bring to every clinic visit.
Aas part of observing Child Protection Month in May under the theme “Working Together to End Violence Against Children,” the department has intensifyied efforts in identifying children who missed routine vaccines, especially in underserved areas, and provide outreach immunisation services.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit their nearest clinic or mobile outreach point to check their child’s immunisation status and catch up on any missed vaccines.
Ensuring a child receives their full set of vaccinations is not only a health responsibility, it is a moral duty and a legal right under South Africa’s child protection framework.
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Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health
