Gauteng rolls out mass measles-rubella vaccination campaign

The campaign will offer a booster dose of the MR vaccine to all children aged between six months and 15 years. 

The drive comes as Gauteng grapples with a persistent measles outbreak that has affected all districts since 2022. 

Over 370 confirmed cases have been reported in the province since January. 

The department said the increase in cases is due to children who are either not fully vaccinated or have never received the measles or rubella vaccine. 

The department’s spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, said the measles vaccine, which protects against both measles and rubella, was introduced into the public immunisation schedule in late 2024 and is now being rolled out at scale. 

Modiba said the immunisation coverage for the second dose of the measles vaccine remains below 75% in Johannesburg and Tshwane.

“Parents and guardians are encouraged to sign and return consent forms distributed through schools and crèches to allow their children to be immunised. Vaccination is safe, free, and proven to prevent severe complications and disabilities associated with measles and rubella,“ he added. 

The department has called on retired and active nurses, staff nurses, data capturers, and community members to volunteer for the campaign. 

“Additionally, universities, nursing colleges, and private hospital groups are urged to support the campaign by allocating student and practising nurses to assist health teams,” Modiba said. 

ALSO READ: