Measles Prevention in Gauteng: Where to Get Your Child Vaccinated in 2025

Understanding Measles and Its Risks

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads rapidly, particularly among unvaccinated children. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from measles, ensuring both individual and community protection.

Advertisement

Current Measles Situation in Gauteng

The highest number of cases have been reported in Johannesburg, Tshwane (Pretoria), and Ekurhuleni, signalling an urgent need for vaccination.

From week 1 to week 29 of 2025, national measles surveillance has detected 520 laboratory-confirmed measles cases. In the past four weeks, epi-week 26 to epi-week 29, 173 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported, 129 cases in Gauteng province, 23 in the Free State province, and 9 in Mpumalanga province. Measles cases are increasing in Mpumalanga province, where nine cases were detected between epidemiological weeks 24 and 29, 6 in the Nkangala district, 3 in the Gert Sibande and 1 in the Ehlanzeni district. The reported measles infections were mainly in children aged 1-14 years, which was similar across the provinces.

A contributing factor to this outbreak is the low vaccination coverage. Many children either do not receive the full course or miss the second dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Why Vaccination Matters

Vaccination plays a critical role in preventing the spread of measles. In Gauteng, the coverage for the second MMR dose remains below 75%. This rate is far below the 95% threshold needed to effectively control outbreaks. By vaccinating children, they are protected and contribute to herd immunity. This helps protect those who cannot receive the vaccine, such as infants or individuals with certain health conditions.

Since the beginning of 2025, the number of fever rash samples submitted to the National Measles reference laboratory at NICD for measles and rubella surveillance, the rubella virus has still been detected more than the measles virus nationally. The rubella virus transmission has decreased nationally as compared to the number of rubella cases detected in 2024 , with sustained rubella transmission seen in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, North West province and Namakwa District in the Northern Cape province from week 1 to week 27 of 2025.

Where to Get Vaccinated in Gauteng

Vaccination services are freely available across all public health facilities in Gauteng, including clinics, community health centres, and hospitals. To reach more communities, the Gauteng Department of Health has launched mobile vaccination campaigns. These campaigns particularly target high-risk areas like Mamelodi and Winterveld.

Specific Locations and Campaigns

• Schools: Over 31 schools in Mamelodi and Winterveld have been the focus of vaccination drives. More than 18,000 children have been vaccinated in these efforts.
• Community Sites: Vaccination drives are also taking place at major community locations such as taxi ranks in Diepsloot and Cosmo City. This includes areas of Ekurhuleni like Tembisa and Daveyton.
• Public Clinics and Hospitals: Routine immunisations are available at all public health facilities. Parents can visit their nearest clinic to schedule an appointment for their child’s vaccination.

What Parents Should Know About Vaccination

• Vaccination Schedule: The MMR vaccine is administered in two doses. The first is given between 6-12 months, followed by a booster dose at 18 months to 2 years old. If your child has missed either dose, they should be vaccinated as soon as possible.
• Booster Shots: Even if a child has received the vaccine previously, health authorities encourage booster doses during outbreaks. This ensures strong immunity.
• Free Vaccines: Measles vaccines are available free of charge at public health facilities. However, private clinics may charge for vaccination services.

How to Prepare for Vaccination

Parents are advised to bring their child’s Road to Health card or vaccination record when visiting the clinic. This helps healthcare workers to quickly check their child’s vaccination status and administer any missed doses.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

The first signs of measles usually include:

• High fever
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Runny nose and sneezing (coryza)
• Dry cough
• A red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downward over the body. The rash doesn’t itch or form blisters. 

Measles often begins with flu-like symptoms. These include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A red, blotchy rash typically appears 3-5 days after the onset of these symptoms. If your child shows any of these symptoms, it is important to isolate them. Seek immediate medical attention to prevent the spread of the virus.

Where to Find More Information and Vaccination Sites

Parents can find their nearest vaccination site by using the government’s online “Find My Jab” tool. This tool provides details on active vaccine sites and their hours of operation. It is an easy way to ensure that your child’s vaccination is up to date.

For vaccination site locations visit:

• City of Johannesburg
• Gauteng Provincial Government
• City of Ekurhuleni
• City of Tshwane
• Unjani Clinics

Additional Protective Measures

• Avoid Crowded Areas: During outbreaks, it’s wise to keep children away from crowded places. This minimizes exposure to the virus.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections.
• Isolation: If your child contracts measles, they should be isolated for at least 7 days after the appearance of the rash. This helps stop transmission.

Learn the early signs, prevention tips, and when to seek help to keep your loved ones safe. How to Spot Measles Symptoms and Protect Your Family in Gauteng. Click to read the full guide and stay informed!

Gauteng Department of Health’s Call to Action

The Gauteng Department of Health strongly encourages all parents to ensure that their children receive timely vaccinations. Vaccination drives are key to closing the immunity gap and stopping the current outbreak. By vaccinating your child, you contribute to the collective effort to protect communities from the ongoing health threat posed by measles.