The Measles-Rubella Mass Vaccination Campaign in Gauteng is a crucial public health initiative aimed at protecting children from the highly contagious diseases, measles and rubella. Running from 4 August to 12 September 2025, the province-wide campaign targets all children aged 6 months to 15 years, irrespective of their vaccination history. This mass immunisation effort aims to close the immunisation gap, which has been widening due to incomplete vaccination coverage.
Why the Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign is Important
South Africa introduced the rubella vaccine into its national immunisation schedule in 2024, combining it with the measles vaccine. However, many children have not yet received the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, leaving them vulnerable to both diseases. These illnesses are not only uncomfortable but also carry the potential for serious complications.
Measles and rubella are both highly contagious viruses that spread through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person. The campaign’s objective is to provide widespread protection by offering the vaccine to as many children as possible in the province, regardless of whether they have a vaccination record.
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The Impact of Measles and Rubella
Measles and rubella are known to cause a range of unpleasant symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Rash
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- Fatigue
While these symptoms may seem like a typical cold or flu, both diseases can lead to serious long-term health issues such as:
- Blindness
- Ear infections
- Encephalitis (brain infection)
- Death in severe cases
If left untreated, the consequences of measles and rubella can be life-threatening, particularly for young children.
The Role of Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in ensuring that children are vaccinated. The Gauteng Department of Health encourages families to take their children to their nearest healthcare facility for the vaccine, regardless of whether they have their Road to Health booklet or vaccination card. In addition to clinic visits, written consent for vaccination will also be accepted at schools and early childhood development centres.
Vaccination Schedule and Availability
The Measles-Rubella Mass Vaccination Campaign will run for six weeks, from 4 August to 12 September 2025, ensuring ample time for children to receive their vaccines. Clinics, schools, and crèches will be key points for vaccination, making the process accessible for families.
For children who cannot visit a healthcare facility, consent forms can be signed at schools, providing a convenient option for working parents.
Cllr Tshegofatso Mashabela’s Statement
Cllr Tshegofatso Mashabela, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health in Gauteng, highlighted the importance of the campaign:
“Protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases is a shared responsibility. By vaccinating your child, you not only safeguard their health but also help prevent outbreaks in our communities.”
This statement underlines the collective effort required to protect the community from the spread of contagious diseases.
The Challenges of Vaccine Coverage
Recent reports indicate that certain areas of Gauteng have experienced vaccine coverage rates that fall below the required 95% threshold to prevent outbreaks. In particular, areas like Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni have reported lower vaccination rates, leaving children susceptible to measles and rubella.
Dr. Kerrigan McCarthy of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) emphasised that:
“When community vaccination coverage is less than 95%, measles infection is able to spread within a community. Gauteng currently has coverage rates ranging from 75% to 85%, which is concerning.”
These figures highlight the need for this mass vaccination campaign to reduce the risk of outbreaks.
For crucial information on the ongoing measles outbreak, read Gauteng Health’s urgent warning for parents.
Vaccination Campaign Benefits
The Measles-Rubella Mass Vaccination Campaign offers multiple benefits:
- It will close the immunisation gap, protecting thousands of children from measles and rubella.
- It helps achieve herd immunity, reducing the spread of these contagious diseases.
- It prevents complications such as brain infections and blindness, safeguarding long-term health.
The broader goal is to maintain the health of the entire population, not just individual children, by preventing outbreaks.
Vaccination Access for All Communities
The vaccination effort will focus on both urban and rural communities across Gauteng. Special attention will be given to areas with low vaccination rates. Mobile vaccination teams will ensure that even the most remote communities have access to the vaccine, particularly in underserved areas like Diepsloot, Midrand, and Cosmo City.
The Future of Immunisation in South Africa
The launch of the Measles-Rubella Mass Vaccination Campaign is a step towards a healthier future for South African children. By improving vaccination coverage and ensuring equitable access to vaccines, Gauteng is leading the way in protecting children from preventable diseases.
