In Conversation With Yolandie Luther Assistant Director-Expanded programme on immunisation
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As African Vaccination Week is observed across the continent, renewed attention is being placed on the importance of childhood immunisation. In Gauteng, however, recent data has raised concern, showing a noticeable decline in vaccination coverage among children under the age of one.
According to the Department of Health, immunisation coverage dropped from 83% in the previous financial year to just over 75% in 2025/26. While this may appear to be a modest decline, in public health terms it represents a significant risk. Lower vaccination rates increase the likelihood of outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and other serious infections that can lead to long-term complications or even death.
Immunisation programmes rely heavily on consistency and community participation. Vaccines are most effective when administered on schedule and when coverage is high enough to create herd immunity, protecting even those who cannot be vaccinated. A drop in coverage weakens this collective protection.
Health authorities have identified several contributing factors to this decline. These include missed clinic visits, lack of awareness, and in some cases, hesitancy or reluctance from caregivers to consent to vaccinations, particularly in school-based programmes. These gaps highlight a broader challenge around public trust, access to healthcare services, and health education.
In response, the Department is strengthening outreach efforts, particularly in underserved communities, Early Childhood Development centres, and areas with historically low coverage. There is also a push for catch-up vaccinations to ensure that children who have missed doses are not left vulnerable.
At its core, this issue is about prevention. Immunisation remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient public health interventions. The challenge now is ensuring that awareness, access, and participation improve before declining coverage leads to real-world health consequences.
According to the Department of Health, immunisation coverage dropped from 83% in the previous financial year to just over 75% in 2025/26. While this may appear to be a modest decline, in public health terms it represents a significant risk. Lower vaccination rates increase the likelihood of outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and other serious infections that can lead to long-term complications or even death.
Immunisation programmes rely heavily on consistency and community participation. Vaccines are most effective when administered on schedule and when coverage is high enough to create herd immunity, protecting even those who cannot be vaccinated. A drop in coverage weakens this collective protection.
Health authorities have identified several contributing factors to this decline. These include missed clinic visits, lack of awareness, and in some cases, hesitancy or reluctance from caregivers to consent to vaccinations, particularly in school-based programmes. These gaps highlight a broader challenge around public trust, access to healthcare services, and health education.
In response, the Department is strengthening outreach efforts, particularly in underserved communities, Early Childhood Development centres, and areas with historically low coverage. There is also a push for catch-up vaccinations to ensure that children who have missed doses are not left vulnerable.
At its core, this issue is about prevention. Immunisation remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient public health interventions. The challenge now is ensuring that awareness, access, and participation improve before declining coverage leads to real-world health consequences.
