Pretoria children at risk as immunisation rates remain lowest in Gauteng
Health authorities are urging parents to check their children’s vaccination records as concerns grow over missed routine immunisations across the district.
Pretoria has been identified as Gauteng’s poorest-performing health district for routine childhood immunisation, recording 59.2% coverage among children under one in the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year and leaving fewer than six in every 10 children under one vaccinated.
These figures have raised concern from the Gauteng Department of Health and Wellness, which is warning parents and caregivers that missed vaccinations leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases.
The warning comes as department outreach teams visit townships, informal settlements, hostels and farming communities to provide healthcare services closer to residents. These teams, comprising nurses, dentists, doctors, health promoters and other professionals, have encountered many children under five who have missed routine immunisations.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Faith Mazibuko said parents play a crucial role in ensuring children receive vaccinations according to the schedule in the Road to Health Booklet.
The booklet is a free, patient-held medical record issued by the Department of Health to track a child’s growth, development and immunisations from birth to five years.
Image: Gauteng Health Department.
“This decline is concerning, as it increases children’s vulnerability to the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, which can result in severe illness, long-term complications and even death,” said Mazibuko.
“It is important for parents to ensure that children receive all scheduled vaccinations on time and complete their immunisation programme.”
Tshwane’s performance is significantly below the provincial figures. Gauteng recorded 72% coverage among children under one, while coverage for the second MR dose stood at 70.7%.
The West Rand was the province’s best-performing district, recording 90.6% coverage among children under one and 86.3% for the second MR dose. Sedibeng recorded 69.5% and 69.1%, respectively.
Health authorities warn that low vaccination coverage increases outbreak risk and leaves more children vulnerable.
Mazibuko said it was concerning that parents were not making use of free interventions at public healthcare facilities. She urged parents whose children have missed vaccinations visit their nearest healthcare facility for catch-up immunisation without delay.
“We urge parents to bring children who have missed vaccinations to their nearest healthcare facility for catch-up immunisation without delay. Vaccination remains one of the most effective and proven public health interventions for preventing disease, disability and death,” said Mazibuko.
Children between six months and five years should also visit healthcare facilities every six months for Vitamin A supplementation and deworming.
Parents should seek medical attention if children who have missed vaccinations develop warning signs such as fever, rash, persistent cough, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, jaundice, severe headaches or seizures.
Those who have lost their child’s Road to Health Booklet should still visit a clinic, as healthcare workers can help with catch-up immunisations.
Photo: Gauteng Health Department.
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