The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has sounded the alarm for parents and caregivers to get their children up to date with their vaccinations as the province rolls out its National Immunisation Catch-up Drive, running from 1 to 30 November 2025.
Department spokesperson Monique Johnstone explained that the campaign seeks to close a growing gap in immunity after vaccination rates for infants dropped below the national target of 95%.
She warned that many children are now exposed to preventable but life-threatening illnesses such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus.
The warning comes at a critical time, as health officials deal with a measles outbreak in Khayelitsha and an increase in diphtheria infections across the Cape Metropole, as per Smile FM.
To counter these rising threats, large-scale immunisation services have been rolled out at schools, preschools, and community clinics. Health teams are also conducting contact tracing to contain any potential spread.
According to Johnstone, improving vaccination coverage is not only vital for protecting individual children but also essential for building herd immunity in communities across the Western Cape.
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The province’s catch-up drive will run for the entire month of November, during which every public health facility will offer free catch-up vaccinations to children who may have missed any of their routine doses. Parents will not need to make an appointment to access these services.
In addition to the free public programme, community outreach events will also be held to make vaccines more accessible to families in all areas. Parents are encouraged to check with their nearest clinic for details on when and where these services will be available.
Vaccines can also be accessed through private healthcare providers at a cost. However, health officials are urging families to make use of the free opportunities available during this campaign period to ensure that every child is protected and that preventable disease outbreaks are brought under control.
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