The City of Cape Town’s Community Services and Health Department has noted, with concern, a drop in the number of children receiving their vaccinations.

The drop has been noted across all age categories.

Between July 2021 and June 2022, 37 639 children under the age one were fully vaccinated according to their schedule; 12 241 six-year-olds and 7126 twelve-year-olds received their tetanus and diphtheria vaccine.

However, the following year saw a drop of close to 8000 one-year-olds, over 3300 six-year-olds and almost 1350 twelve-year-olds – who had not received the necessary vaccines.

“Vaccinations are critical to the health and well-being of our children, and to mitigate the risk of serious illness or complications. Less than a year ago, we had to navigate a measles outbreak in the metro. That should serve as a reminder of the importance of timely vaccinations, and booster doses.” – Patricia van der Ross, City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health

With schools set to be in full swing next week, the department’s Patricia van der Ross is calling on parents and caregivers to ensure that their children have received the necessary vaccinations. From birth until the age of 12, children are meant to receive 16 immunisations, with most of these administered during the first year of a child’s life.

Van der Ross says that any concerns should be address with a health care worker. Further noting that children can still be immunised, even if they missed a date on their vaccination schedule. Parents or guardians should visit their nearest healthcare facility with their ID, the child’s birth certificate and their “Road to Health” booklet, for the necessary vaccines to be administered.

“If you do not have the documents, you can still visit the clinic and the child will be vaccinated. If you have lost the Road to Health book, inform healthcare workers so that a copy of the booklet can be issued.”