The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) continues to intensify efforts in its mass Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination Campaign, urging schools and early childhood development centres (crèches) across the province to open their doors for vaccination teams. Since the campaign’s launch on 4 August 2025, more than 1,266 schools and crèches have already been visited by health workers, with more expected to participate before the campaign concludes on 12 September 2025. This large-scale public health effort aims to protect over 4 million children aged from six months to under 15 years against measles and rubella, diseases that have recently surged amid ongoing outbreaks.
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Aims and Urgency of the Vaccination Campaign
The campaign’s goal is to reach at least 95% coverage within the targeted age group to effectively contain the current measles outbreak and prevent future infectious diseases in Gauteng’s communities. The initiative forms a critical part of the province’s public immunisation strategy, introducing the newly added measles-rubella vaccine, which is free, safe, and effective.
Since the start of 2025, Gauteng has recorded over 380 confirmed measles cases, with the highest number arising in Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni districts. These statistics highlight the urgent need for widespread vaccination to protect children and reduce disease transmission.
Understanding Measles and Rubella
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads quickly when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes near others. Symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Rash all over the body
Measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and even death, especially in young children. Rubella is generally milder in children but can cause severe birth defects if a pregnant woman contracts it. Vaccinating children now provides immediate protection and helps build long-term immunity, lowering the risk of future outbreaks and supporting healthier communities.
Progress by District: Schools and Crèches Visited
Vaccination teams have made strong inroads across Gauteng:
- Johannesburg: 458 schools and crèches visited
- Ekurhuleni: 440 sites
- Tshwane: 160 sites
- West Rand: 118 sites
- Sedibeng: 90 sites
This coverage reflects effective cooperation between the health department and education sectors. However, many schools and crèches have yet to be reached. GDoH encourages all educational institutions that have not yet hosted vaccination teams to contact their district’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) managers to schedule visits. This inclusive approach aims to ensure no child is left behind.
How the Campaign Is Conducted in Schools
Vaccination teams visit participating schools and crèches equipped with trained healthcare workers. Vaccinations are administered with parental or guardian consent. Alongside vaccinations, teams provide health education on the importance and safety of the measles-rubella vaccine to combat any myths or misinformation.
Schools maintain careful records of vaccinated children to track progress and ensure completion of the campaign goals. This organisational efficiency helps maximise coverage and the campaign’s overall effectiveness.
The Importance of Vaccination Compliance
Parents and guardians are a vital part of this campaign’s success. GDoH stresses the need for parents to consent to their children’s vaccinations and cooperate fully with health teams during school and community outreach efforts. Vaccination offers the best protection not only for individual children but also for their families and wider communities.
In addition to the campaign doses, children should continue receiving routine immunisations according to South Africa’s health schedule to maintain strong, lasting immunity against measles, rubella, and other preventable diseases.
Impact on Public Health and Education
The vaccination campaign reduces illness-related school absenteeism by shielding children from vaccine-preventable diseases. This contributes not only to healthier students but also to improved learning outcomes.
On a larger scale, the campaign builds herd immunity, protecting vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons, such as those with immune system disorders.
How Families Can Participate
Families can help ensure campaign success by:
- Checking if their child’s school or crèche is part of the campaign
- Providing consent promptly when schools request it
- Attending school meetings to understand the vaccination benefits
- Maintaining their children’s vaccination records and following up on routine immunisations
Community involvement and awareness are key in making this campaign a success.
Community Involvement
Interested volunteers and schools wishing to host vaccination teams can contact programme managers within their health districts as follows:
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Ongoing Commitment and Next Steps
Gauteng’s health department remains committed to containing measles and rubella outbreaks. The mass Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign will continue through September 2025, with efforts to reach children who missed school sessions conducted at clinics and through community outreach.
The Department also calls on the public, including retired health professionals, nursing students, and community volunteers, to participate in mobilisation and support vaccination logistics where possible.
