Parents Urged to Act Now: Protect Your Child Against Measles and Rubella

A Call to Action: Ensure Your Child’s Vaccination

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is urging parents and guardians throughout the province to act immediately. Signing and returning school-issued consent forms are vital steps to protect children aged 6 months to 15 years from the highly contagious measles and rubella viruses during the ongoing Mass Vaccination Campaign.

RELEVANT ARTICLE: What Parents Need to Know About Gauteng’s Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign

Running from 4 August to 12 September 2025, this campaign aims to vaccinate over 4 million children. Professional Nurses from the School Health Programme are visiting schools daily across Gauteng to administer the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine. However, the campaign faces delays because many parents have not yet returned consent forms. Currently, only 914,112 children have been vaccinated, far below the goal. Parents are urged to respond promptly to this important health initiative.

Why Vaccination Matters

Measles and rubella are serious diseases that can cause complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), blindness, and potentially death. Measles, in particular, is extremely contagious, threatening communities especially where vaccination rates are low. Since early 2025, Gauteng has reported over 400 confirmed measles cases, making timely vaccinations more critical than ever.

The MR vaccine is safe, effective, and globally recognized. It was incorporated into South Africa’s public immunisation schedule in late 2024. The GDoH assures parents of its excellent safety record and the vaccine’s essential role in protecting children and public health.

Campaign Details at a Glance

• Vaccination Period: 4 August to 12 September 2025
• Target Group: Children aged between 6 months and 15 years
• Vaccine: Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine
• Requirement: Signed consent forms from parents or guardians

Parents who have not received or returned the consent forms should contact their child’s school or local clinic immediately.

How Vaccination Prevents Further Outbreaks

Vaccines are one of the most effective tools to prevent infectious diseases. Measles can infect 80-90% of unvaccinated persons exposed to the virus, highlighting the importance of vaccinating as many children as possible. Achieving high vaccination rates builds herd immunity, which protects those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants below six months or children with weakened immune systems. Vaccination is essential to stopping outbreaks and protecting entire communities.

What to Expect During Vaccination

The MR vaccine is given as a single injection by trained Professional Nurses as part of the School Health Programme. The process is quick, safe, and efficient. Minor side effects such as fever or tiredness may occur but usually resolve quickly. Vaccination must occur before a child is exposed to the virus, as measles infection facilitates rapid virus spread.

Addressing Common Vaccine Concerns

While some parents may worry about vaccine safety, thorough scientific testing and global use confirm the MR vaccine’s safety and efficacy. MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, reassures parents, stating:

“We understand that concerns about vaccine safety can arise, but we want to assure parents that the Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe for children. We encourage all parents and guardians to take this opportunity seriously and sign consent forms for their children.”

Vaccination reduces disease incidence and saves lives. The campaign’s success depends on community cooperation and parental participation.

The Importance of Consent Forms

Consent forms are crucial for the vaccination campaign’s success. They enable schools and health workers to vaccinate eligible children and keep official vaccination records. Every returned form contributes to increasing immunisation coverage and protecting vulnerable children. Parents who have yet to sign and return forms are urged to do so immediately.

Contact Information for Assistance

Parents needing support or information about the campaign can contact their district coordinators:

A Collective Mission for a Healthier Future

The success of this Mass Vaccination Campaign will significantly reduce the spread of measles and rubella in Gauteng. With collective effort from parents, schools, and health officials, children can be safeguarded against these preventable diseases.

ALSO READ: How Schools and Crèches Are Helping Fight Measles Outbreaks in Gauteng

The Gauteng Department of Health remains committed to safeguarding children’s health and building a safe community. It urges parents to support this vital public health initiative by ensuring their children receive the Measles-Rubella vaccine.