Western Cape Launches National Immunisation Catch-Up Drive to Protect Children
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children are fully immunised as the province rolls out its National Immunisation Catch-up Drive from 1 to 30 November. The campaign aims to close the immunity gap created when vaccinations were missed and to safeguard communities against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Why the Catch-Up Drive is Critical
Recent health reports show a decline in infant immunisation coverage, dipping below the province’s 95% target. This drop increases the risk of outbreaks of measles, polio, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus. The catch-up drive is designed to help recover lost ground, ensuring that all children receive the full Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI).
Current Health Priorities
While the campaign runs in November, the department is actively responding to a measles outbreak in Khayelitsha and conducting mass immunisation at schools, preschools, and health facilities to curb the spread. Healthcare teams are also performing contact tracing amid rising diphtheria cases in the Cape Metropole. The aim is broad protection through herd immunity by boosting immunisation coverage province-wide.
What to Expect During the National Immunisation Catch-Up Drive
Key features of the drive include free catch-up immunisations at all public health facilities for children who may have missed routine doses. No appointment is needed during the drive period, and local outreach outreaches will be scheduled in communities—parents should contact their nearest clinic for specifics. Immunisations are also available through private providers at a cost.
Services on Offer
During the catch-up drive, services include:
- Checking and updating the Road-to-Health Booklet (a booklet is not mandatory for service)
- Routine and catch-up immunisations
- Vitamin A supplementation
- Deworming
- Nutrition checks
- Health screening and education
To immunise a child at school or in a preschool setting, parent or caregiver consent is required. Schools will provide consent forms; returning them promptly helps ensure timely vaccination.
The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) and Why It Matters
The EPI aims to protect children from a spectrum of diseases through life-stage vaccines. From birth onward, vaccines guard against tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, Hib (meningitis and pneumonia), rotavirus diarrhoea, pneumonia, and measles. Booster doses help maintain protection as children grow. In addition, girls aged nine and older can receive the HPV vaccine with parental consent to reduce cervical cancer risk later in life.
Expert and Parent Perspectives
Dr Heather Finlayson, Senior Specialist in Infectious Disease at Tygerberg Hospital, highlights the ongoing importance of vaccination. “The World Health Organisation’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) celebrated 50 years in 2024. Globally, vaccination prevents 4 million deaths each year. Vaccines are safe, well-studied, and essential for building healthy children and communities.”
Local parents likewise express strong support for immunisation as a preventive health measure. A new mom notes that vaccines are a simple, powerful way to safeguard her child’s future, while another mother emphasizes the trust placed in health professionals to guide immunisation decisions. These voices reflect a common belief: prevention through vaccination is a cornerstone of family and community health.
What Parents Should Do Now
If you’re a parent or caregiver, visit your nearest clinic to check your child’s Road-to-Health Booklet. No appointment is needed, and you should bring any child who may have missed doses for catch-up immunisations. Ensure all vaccines are up to date and consent forms are signed for school-based immunisations.
Protecting Our Communities Through Immunisation
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness emphasizes that protecting every child’s health contributes to the safety of families and the broader community. Immunisation reduces illness-related school absences, hospitalisations, and preventable deaths. By participating in the catch-up drive, parents help close the immunity gap and contribute to a healthier, more resilient Western Cape.
Call to Action
Share this information with fellow parents, caregivers, and community leaders. During November, take advantage of free catch-up immunisations at public facilities and keep an eye out for local school and community outreach sessions. Together, we can safeguard our children’s health and build a stronger, disease-free future for Western Cape.
