Ekurhuleni calls for children to be vaccinated for measles
The CoE vaccinated 486 564 children during its measles campaign, but says low coverage in some areas remains a concern.
The CoE vaccinated 486 564 children in its ongoing measles vaccination campaign, which ran from August 4 to September 12.
The campaign targeted schools, crèches, taxi ranks and malls, among others. Though these visits have ended, vaccinations continue at all clinics to reach the target of vaccinating 1.1 million children.
The Ekurhuleni South Health Sub-district, which includes Katlehong, Vosloorus, Thokoza, Alberton and Eden Park, recorded the lowest vaccination rate at 42% of the targeted population. These areas were, therefore, identified for increased focus and support.
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Parents who do not timeously submit the signed consent forms are partly to blame for the low vaccination rate. Vaccine hesitancy among parents of children at private schools sees some refuse to provide consent.
“Despite these challenges, the city urges parents and guardians to vaccinate their children, especially because there is a measles outbreak in Ekurhuleni, underscoring the urgent need to raise vaccination coverage and stop measles from spreading,” said city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
“Parents and guardians of children aged between six months and 15 years, regardless of previous vaccination status, are urged to visit their nearest clinic to protect their children and the community from measles,” said Dlamini.
