Help the Western Cape to reach 95% population coverage of measles

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness would like to reach all eligible children with the measles vaccine to prevent further spread of cases and outbreaks. Considering ongoing cases and low vaccination coverage in the country, the Department welcomes the recommendation by the national government to extend the national measles vaccination campaign until further notice. To date, a total of 799 558 measles vaccines (or 46% of the population) have been administered provincially.

The Department’s clinics and public/ private partners in the Western Cape will continue to provide measles boosters to children under the age of 15. Where there is capacity, the vaccination service may be rendered as an outreach to schools and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres. Going forward, to minimise the impact on the routine measles vaccine, children at 6- and 12-months of age may receive their routine measles vaccine according to the schedule and booster doses may be administered after a four-week interval.   

Breakdown of measles vaccines administered provincially, as of 31 May 2023:

• Cape Metro – 458 953 (42% coverage rate)
• Cape Winelands – 130 446 (54% coverage rate)
• Central Karoo – 15 978 (76% coverage rate)
• Garden Route – 93 408 (59% coverage rate)
• Overberg – 40 329 (51% coverage rate)
• West Coast – 60 444 (49% coverage rate)

“We would like to thank those parents who supported the national campaign so far. Our target is for a large proportion of eligible children to be vaccinated against measles. We appeal to parents who are yet to vaccinate their children against measles, to do so this month. This will help to ensure that we avoid any complications from the measles disease and keep our children safe,” says Sonia Botha, the coordinator of the Western Cape’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation.

Most side-effects from measles vaccination are minor and quickly disappear. Severe allergic reactions are rare. If any reaction is severe or persistent, or if you are worried about your child, please contact your healthcare worker or doctor.