Protecting children through a national catch-up effort
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is mobilising a comprehensive National Immunisation Catch-up Drive from 1 to 30 November. The goal is to close the immunity gap created when children miss critical vaccine doses, a lapse that has lowered infant immunisation coverage toward the provincial target of 95% and left communities more vulnerable to diseases such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus.
Public health teams are responding to a measles outbreak in Khayelitsha and are conducting mass immunisation at schools, preschools, clinics, and other health facilities. Additional contact tracing is underway as diphtheria cases rise in the Cape Metropole, underscoring the importance of keeping vaccination coverage high to protect the whole community through herd immunity.
What to expect during the catch-up drive
During November, all public health facilities across the Western Cape will offer free catch-up immunisation services for children who missed routine doses. No appointment is required at participating sites. Local outreach events are also planned in communities, and parents can contact their nearest clinic to learn when outreach visits will occur.
Immunisation services are also available through private providers at a cost. Key services include checking the child’s Road-to-Health Booklet (if available), routine and catch-up immunisations, Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, nutrition checks, and general health screening and education. In many cases, healthcare teams will visit schools and preschools to provide immunisations and health checks, ensuring easier access for families.
Consent from a parent or caregiver is required to immunise a child, so schools will provide consent forms for return. The drive aligns with South Africa’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), which ensures vaccines through early life protect against tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, Hib, rotavirus, pneumonia, and measles. As children grow, booster doses maintain protection; girls nine years and older are offered the HPV vaccine with parental consent to reduce future cervical cancer risk.
Why immunisation matters
Experts emphasise that a strong EPI is essential for public health. Vaccines prevent illness, hospitalisation, and, in some cases, death. The World Health Organisation noted that the EPI has celebrated significant milestones and continues to be a cornerstone of child health. Dr Heather Finlayson, a senior specialist in infectious disease, highlights that vaccines are safe, well-studied, and a critical tool in protecting communities. Small declines in coverage can undo years of progress, she warns, urging parents and caregivers to use the catch-up drive to verify their children are up to date.
Voices from parents and health professionals
Public health experts and mothers in the Western Cape share why vaccination matters. Dr Masudah Paleker, a public health medicine specialist and new mom, says immunisation is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to safeguard children and communities. Somerset West resident Samantha Lee-Jacobs notes that proactive immunisation has helped protect her family and supports using available vaccines. Natalie Watlington, a mother of three from Fairways, praises school-based HPV vaccination as a convenient, protective measure. Leensie Lötter, from Paarl, recalls polio’s impact and emphasises the lifelong protection vaccines provide.
What parents should do
To participate, visit your nearest public clinic to check your child’s Road-to-Health Booklet. No appointment is needed for catch-up immunisations, and you can bring children who have missed doses for vaccination. Ensure all vaccines are up to date and take advantage of the school and community outreach visits. Vaccination protects individuals and communities alike, helping to prevent outbreaks and keep schools, workplaces, and homes safer.
Ultimately, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness calls on parents, caregivers, and community leaders to champion immunisation. By staying up to date with the EPI schedule and supporting outreach efforts, families contribute to a healthier, safer province where preventable diseases are kept at bay.
