Gauteng health urges timely child vaccinations amid decline in coverage | Soweto Urban

The Gauteng Department of Health has urged parents and caregivers to ensure children are vaccinated on time against preventable diseases, according to the South African Government News Agency.

The department said immunisation is only effective when all required doses are completed in line with the national schedule, stressing that parents play a central role in protecting children’s health.

The appeal comes as the province joins the global community in observing World Immunisation Week from April 24 to 30.

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Parents have been encouraged to take children who have missed vaccinations to their nearest health facility for catch-up immunisation without delay. The department reiterated that vaccination remains one of the most effective public health interventions to prevent disease, disability and death.

However, Gauteng has recorded a decline in childhood immunisation coverage in the 2025/ 26 financial year.

A total of 191 705 children under the age of one were vaccinated, representing 75.3% coverage, down from 83% in the previous financial year.

Health officials warned that the decline increases children’s vulnerability to vaccine-preventable diseases, which can lead to severe illness, long-term complications and even death.

The department said it is essential for caregivers to ensure children receive all scheduled vaccinations and complete their full immunisation programme.

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The drop in uptake has been linked to caregivers missing routine clinic visits and failing to sign consent forms for school-based vaccination programmes.

To address the challenge, the department is rolling out intensified community awareness campaigns across all districts. These initiatives aim to improve understanding of the importance of timely immunisation and access to services.

The department said its goal is to ensure no child is left behind in the province’s vaccination programme.