SA experienced a significant measles outbreak in 2009.
Dr Liza Street, a paediatrician and a co-founder of Ajuda, a digital storage vault for health information, was on the frontlines when sick children started arriving by the dozen at the hospital where she worked.
Some children (predominantly vaccinated) were treated for mild symptoms and sent home. The unvaccinated children, babies and those with compromised immune systems were less fortunate, developing complications like pneumonia, dehydration, middle ear infections and inflammation of the brain.
“The paediatric wards overflowed with critically ill children. The isolation ward was at capacity, and even the ICU was full,” recalled Street.
“One little boy, just 18 months old, was admitted with severe pneumonia. By the time he arrived, his oxygen levels were already dangerously low, and his young body was fighting for every breath,” said Street.
The team saved his life, but it was traumatic.
“We had no choice but to intubate him and put him on a ventilator.”
Street remembered watching the boy’s parents sit helplessly at his bedside.
“Seeing their eyes filled with fear and desperation was heartbreaking. They had done everything they could but were unaware of the importance of vaccination.”
How vaccinations save lives:
Stories like these are not as common as they once were because of the widespread adoption of vaccines, which currently protect against more than 30 life-threatening diseases, per the World Health Organisation.
“Vaccines work by introducing a harmless version of a germ, either weakened or inactive, into your body, so your immune system can learn to recognise and fight it without making you sick,” said Street.
“Your immune system stores the memory of how to fight that germ. If you encounter the real, harmful version later, your body can respond quickly and prevent serious illness.”
Vaccinated people protect themselves and newborns, and immunocompromised people, who rely on those around them to be vaccinated, so they are not exposed to life-threatening germs.
SA’s vaccination schedule explained:
It’s important to stay up to date with the local guidelines.
• Government programme: SA has a government-sponsored vaccination programme that provides free vaccines for children through State clinics and hospitals;
• Optional add-ons: There are other vaccines you must pay for, like chicken pox, meningococcal, flu and travel vaccinations. If you can, Street encourages getting the added protection of the additional vaccinations;
• Flu vaccine: The flu vaccination is recommended from six months of age;
“It is crucial for children in creches or those with chronic illnesses or respiratory conditions,” says Street.
Tip: Ideally, get flu jabs before May and the start of flu season.
Decoding different names:
When you look at the vaccine schedule, you’ll see different options for some vaccines.
“It’s usually because different pharmaceutical companies make them. However, there isn’t one that’s ‘better’ than the other. They protect against the same diseases and work similarly,” said Street. “Typically, you’ll get whichever vaccine is available at your pharmacy, baby clinic or hospital.”
Why keeping a record of vaccinations is a must:
As important as it is for your child to be vaccinated, keeping a record is crucial. An Ajuda vault is the perfect place to keep track of vaccinations. Unlike a physical vaccination card, you can’t misplace or forget to bring your digital vault.
“Some parents are good at ensuring they’ve diarised each new vaccine date for their children, but many find it difficult to keep track over time,” said the co-founder of Ajuda, Taryn Uhlmann.
It gets especially tricky as children get older and vaccinations are spaced further apart, especially when there’s more than one child to track.
How to prepare your child for vaccination day:
“Vaccines usually don’t hurt as much as people expect,” said Dr Street.
“Most children only feel a brief sting or pinch when the needle is inserted. Afterwards, they might experience mild side effects like a sore arm, fever or tiredness, but these typically go away within a few days.”
Street’s tips for a stress-free vaccination day:
• Take your vaccination card (Road to Health card) for it to be updated;
• Schedule the appointment when your child is well-rested and not overly hungry or sick;
• Dress your child in comfortable clothing to allow easy access to the upper leg or arm;
• Be prepared to comfort your child immediately with a favourite toy or snack. For younger babies, breastfeeding right after the shot can help soothe them;
• If your child develops a fever after a vaccination, you can give them paracetamol to help lower it. (There is no need to give them paracetamol before the vaccination.);
If you notice anything concerning after the vaccination, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or nurse.
“The chances of serious side effects are very low, and the protection vaccines offer against harmful diseases far outweigh any potential risks,” highlighted Street.
It’s been 16 years, and Street still thinks about the children she saw suffer during the 2009 measles outbreak.
“The experience reinforced my belief in the critical importance of vaccination. It’s not just about preventing an illness. It’s about saving lives, reducing suffering and protecting those most vulnerable.”
