World Immunisation Week is underway, and in Cape Town, the message is clear — protecting children through vaccination remains a shared responsibility.
To mark the start of the week, the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, joined healthcare workers, partners and families at Eastridge Clinic in Mitchells Plain for an immunisation awareness event focused on the importance of routine childhood vaccinations.
Observed globally from 24 to 30 April, World Immunisation Week highlights the role vaccines play in saving lives and strengthening communities. This year’s theme, “For every generation, vaccines work,” reinforces the long-term impact of immunisation across all ages.
The event comes at a time when City Health has raised concern over declining immunisation rates. Between July 2025 and March 2026, 294 894 vaccine doses were administered to children up to the age of 12, compared to 310 786 during the previous period.
More concerning is a 3.6% decline in the number of fully immunised children under the age of one, leaving more children vulnerable to preventable diseases such as measles, diphtheria, polio and pneumonia.
“At Eastridge Clinic, I had the opportunity to meet with mothers, caregivers and healthcare workers who are doing the important daily work of protecting children through immunisation,” said Councillor Higham.
“World Immunisation Week is not only about vaccines, but it is also about people, families and the shared responsibility we carry to protect one another.”
Health officials warn that under-vaccination increases the risk of outbreaks, with recent cases of measles and diphtheria highlighting how quickly diseases can spread when coverage drops.
“Immunisation is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways we can protect our children and communities,” Higham added.
“Vaccines shield children from diseases that once caused great suffering and give them the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive.”
City Health is encouraging parents and caregivers to ensure children are up to date with their vaccinations, reminding residents that clinics remain accessible and ready to assist.
For families who may have missed scheduled vaccinations, catch-up programmes are available, supported by healthcare workers who can guide parents through the process.
The Road to Health booklet continues to play an important role in tracking a child’s development and vaccination schedule, while the City’s online booking system aims to make access to services more efficient.
As World Immunisation Week continues, the focus remains on a simple but critical goal — ensuring every child is protected, and every community is stronger because of it.
