South Africa’s Department of Health has warned that declining childhood vaccination rates are placing thousands of children at risk as measles and rubella outbreaks continue to spread across several provinces. The department issued the warning on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, after revealing that routine immunisation coverage has fallen sharply over recent years.
Health officials said the decline affects children across all 52 health districts, including Gauteng, and could reverse years of progress made in reducing infant and child mortality. The department is now calling on parents and caregivers to ensure children who missed routine vaccinations receive catch up immunisations as soon as possible.
According to the Department of Health, improving vaccination coverage is essential to preventing further outbreaks and protecting vulnerable children from serious but preventable diseases.
Department Warns Childhood Vaccination Rates Have Declined
Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale said South Africa has moved beyond simply warning about declining vaccination rates.
“The Department of Health would like to announce that far fewer babies and young children are getting their routine vaccines and outbreaks of diseases such as measles and rubella are already happening as a result,” Mohale said.
According to the department, the reduction in routine immunisation threatens to undo significant improvements made over the past two decades in reducing deaths among infants and children younger than five years.
Officials said vaccination remains one of the most effective public health interventions available to protect children against serious infectious diseases.
More Infants Are Missing Routine Vaccinations
The department said the number of infants receiving no vaccinations at all has increased significantly.
According to official figures:
- The proportion of completely unvaccinated infants increased from 12.1 percent in 2017 to 36.3 percent in early 2026.
- More than one in three infants under the age of one have not received any routine vaccinations.
- Coverage for the first routine childhood vaccine declined from 87 percent in 2021 to 67 percent in 2025.
- Coverage for the six in one infant vaccine fell from 87 percent to 60.5 percent over the same period.
According to the department, South Africa remains below the World Health Organization target of 90 percent routine childhood immunisation coverage.
Measles and Rubella Outbreaks Continue Across South Africa
The Department of Health said the consequences of declining vaccination rates are already evident.
According to Mohale, measles and rubella outbreaks are currently affecting multiple provinces.
Since January 2026:
- About 3,462 confirmed measles cases have been reported nationally.
- Nearly 400 confirmed rubella cases have been recorded.
- Most measles infections have occurred among children between one and 14 years old.
The department said outbreaks have been reported in the Western Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape and several other provinces.
Officials added that 70.9 percent of confirmed measles infections involve children aged between one and 14 years.
The department also warned that rubella poses serious risks during pregnancy because infection can result in Congenital Rubella Syndrome, which may cause severe birth defects.
Other Vaccine Preventable Diseases Are Also Being Monitored
The Department of Health said measles and rubella are not the only concerns.
According to the department:
- Imported poliovirus strains have recently been detected in wastewater samples collected in Cape Town, although South Africa remains officially polio free.
- Sporadic diphtheria cases have been identified, particularly in the Western Cape.
- Cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, have also been detected in several provinces.
Officials said many whooping cough cases involve infants younger than six months who are still too young to be fully vaccinated, highlighting the importance of community immunity.
Why Routine Childhood Vaccination Matters
According to the Department of Health, routine childhood immunisation protects children against diseases that can result in severe illness, permanent disability or death.
The department said widespread vaccination also helps protect vulnerable members of the community who cannot yet receive certain vaccines because of their age or medical conditions.
Health officials warned that falling vaccination rates increase the likelihood of disease outbreaks and place greater pressure on healthcare services.
The department added that outbreaks may also affect children’s education through prolonged illness and school absenteeism while placing additional financial strain on families.
Vaccines Used in South Africa Are Regulated
The Department of Health sought to reassure parents about vaccine safety.
According to Mohale, all vaccines used within South Africa undergo scientific assessment before approval.
He said the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority evaluates vaccines for safety, quality and effectiveness before they are registered for use.
The department also urged members of the public to rely on verified information from official government health platforms rather than misinformation circulating online.
Parents Encouraged to Arrange Catch Up Vaccinations
The Department of Health is urging parents and caregivers not to delay if children have missed scheduled vaccinations.
Mohale encouraged families to visit their nearest public clinic or healthcare provider to receive catch up immunisations.
According to the department, healthcare facilities across the country continue providing routine childhood vaccinations as part of the national immunisation programme.
Officials said increasing vaccination coverage will require cooperation between parents, healthcare workers, schools and communities.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Although the department highlighted outbreaks in several provinces, Gauteng parents are also being encouraged to review their children’s vaccination records.
Children who have missed routine vaccinations remain vulnerable to preventable diseases if outbreaks spread.
Parents and caregivers are advised to:
- Check children’s Road to Health Booklets.
- Confirm vaccinations are up to date.
- Visit the nearest public clinic if any doses have been missed.
- Seek advice from healthcare providers if they are unsure about their child’s vaccination schedule.
Health officials said early action can help protect individual children while reducing the risk of wider community outbreaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Department of Health concerned about vaccination rates?
The department said routine childhood immunisation coverage has declined significantly, increasing the risk of outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases.
Which diseases are currently causing concern?
Health officials have reported measles and rubella outbreaks and are also monitoring imported poliovirus detections, diphtheria and whooping cough.
Are childhood vaccinations available at public clinics?
Yes. Routine childhood vaccinations remain available through public healthcare facilities as part of South Africa’s national immunisation programme.
What should parents do if their child missed vaccinations?
The Department of Health advises parents and caregivers to visit their nearest clinic or healthcare provider as soon as possible for catch up immunisation.
Are vaccines used in South Africa safe?
According to the Department of Health, all vaccines used in South Africa are assessed and registered by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority before being approved for use.
Urgent Action Needed to Improve Immunisation Coverage
The Department of Health said improving childhood vaccination coverage has become a national priority as preventable diseases continue to spread.
Officials are encouraging parents and caregivers to ensure children receive routine vaccinations and any missed doses without delay. According to the department, increasing immunisation coverage remains one of the most effective ways to protect children, reduce disease outbreaks and safeguard the health of communities across Gauteng and the rest of South Africa.
