Measles-Rubella Mass Vaccination Campaign for Gauteng
The Gauteng Department of Health will be conducting a province-wide Measles-Rubella Mass Vaccination Campaign from 4 August to 12 September 2025.
The campaign targets all children aged 6 months to 15 years, regardless of their current vaccination status. Whether the road to health booklet or card is available or not, the vaccine will be given.
Parents and caregivers are strongly encouraged to take their children to their nearest healthcare facility for vaccination or to provide written consent for vaccination at schools and early childhood development centres (crèches).
Why is this campaign important?
South Africa introduced the Rubella Vaccine into the national immunisation schedule in 2024, in combination with the Measles vaccine.
Many children have not yet received the combined Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine and remain vulnerable to Rubella infection.
Measles and Rubella are highly contagious viruses that spread through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person.
The incubation period is typically 10 to 14 days before symptoms appear.
Common symptoms include:
Fever
Rash
Cough
Runny nose
Red eyes
Fatigue
If not treated, these diseases can lead to serious complications such as:
Blindness
Ear infections
Encephalitis (brain infection) and death
The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health, Councillor Mashabela, said that 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.
For more information, please visit your local clinic or contact your nearest health facility.
Cllr Tshegofatso Mashabela
MMC for Health
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Measles-Rubella Mass Vaccination Campaign for Gauteng
The province-wide Measles-Rubella Mass Vaccination Campaign targets all children aged 6 months to 15 years, regardless of their current vaccination status. The Gauteng Department of Health will be conducting a province-wide Measles-Rubella Mass Vaccination Campaign from 4 August to 12 September 2025. The campaign targets all children aged 6 months to 15 years, regardless of their current vaccination status. Whether the road to health booklet or card is available or not, the vaccine will be given. Parents and caregivers are strongly encouraged to take their children to their nearest healthcare facility for vaccination or to provide written consent for vaccination at schools and early childhood development centres (crèches). Why is this campaign important? South Africa introduced the Rubella Vaccine into the national immunisation schedule in 2024, in combination with the Measles vaccine. Many children have not yet received the combined Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine and remain vulnerable to Rubella infection. Measles and Rubella are highly contagious viruses that spread through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person. The incubation period is typically 10 to 14 days before symptoms appear. Common symptoms include: Fever Rash Cough Runny nose Red eyes Fatigue If not treated, these diseases can lead to serious complications such as: Blindness Ear infections Encephalitis (brain infection) and death The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health, Councillor Mashabela, said that 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. For more information, please visit your local clinic or contact your nearest health facility. Cllr Tshegofatso Mashabela MMC for Health
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Gauteng's urgent campaign to vaccinate over 4 million children against measles and rubella
IOL Gauteng Department of Health launches the Measles-Rubella Mass Vaccination Campaign at Steve Biko Primary School in Orange Farm, aiming to immunise over four million children across the province. Image: File The Gauteng Department of Health is ramping up efforts to combat the persistent measles outbreak in the province with the launch of a large-scale Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign targeting over four million children. The campaign will officially launch on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Steve Biko Primary School in Orange Farm. It aims to immunise over four million children, who are aged between six months and 15 years, across schools, crèches, and communities in all five health districts. Gauteng's MEC for Health and Wellness, Ms. Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, will lead the launch of the campaign. 'The campaign comes as Gauteng continues to respond to a persistent measles outbreak that has affected all districts since 2022, with over 370 confirmed cases recorded since January 2025,' said the department. The MR vaccine was introduced into the public immunisation schedule in late 2024 and now forms part of the province's intensified efforts to curb the outbreak. The event will include onsite vaccinations and health education sessions, supported by health officials, community leaders, and partners. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Parents and guardians are urged to sign and return consent forms distributed via schools and crèches. 'Vaccination is safe, free, and proven to prevent severe complications and disabilities associated with measles and rubella,' the department said. In a further call to action, the department is appealing to both retired and active healthcare professionals as well as community members to volunteer. 'Volunteers will assist with vaccinations, mobilisation, data capturing, and administrative support in their local communities.' Universities, nursing colleges, and private hospital groups are also encouraged to support the effort by deploying student and practising nurses. The campaign is part of the province's broader strategy to strengthen child health and prevent vaccine-preventable diseases. IOL News
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Measles outbreak in Gauteng: 181 cases confirmed, public urged to vaccinate
The Gauteng Department of Health has intensified its public health response following further measles cases across the province. Between January 1 and June 13, 181 laboratory-confirmed measles cases were reported, primarily in Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni. In the latest reporting period, Gauteng recorded 15 new measles cases. Local nurse Nhlanhla Mofokeng explained what measles is and how to curb its spread. She defined measles as a highly contagious viral infection that mainly affects children but can infect anyone who is unvaccinated. 'It spreads through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Measles symptoms appear about seven to 14 days after exposure,' she said. Signs and symptoms: • High fever; • Dry cough; • Runny nose; • Red, watery eyes; • Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots); • A blotchy red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downward. 'A person is contagious four days before and four days after the rash appears. Many people assume measles is just a rash and fever, but it can lead to severe complications,' she added. She mentioned these complications: • Pneumonia; • Diarrhoea and dehydration; • Ear infections (which might lead to hearing loss); • Brain swelling (encephalitis); • Death, especially in malnourished children or those with weakened immune systems. 'Children under five years, unvaccinated people of any age, people with weakened immune systems (HIV+ individuals) and pregnant women are at risk of contracting measles. 'Prevention is always better than cure. The measles vaccine is safe and free at public clinics across SA. It is given as part of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine (MMR) at six months (extra dose during outbreaks), 12 months and 18 months,' she mentioned. Mofokeng said vaccination is the best protection because if enough people are vaccinated, the virus cannot spread; this is called herd immunity. She added that during the outbreak, people must ensure children are vaccinated by checking their Road-to-Health card. The nurse advised adults unsure of their vaccination status to visit a clinic for advice. 'If your child shows symptoms, keep them at home and visit a health facility immediately. Inform your school or crèche if a child was diagnosed. They may need to take steps to prevent further spread,' said Mofokeng. What to do if you suspect measles? • Step one: Seek medical care immediately; early detection can prevent serious illness. • Step two: Isolate the patient to avoid spreading the virus to others. • Step three: Follow the instructions from your clinic or doctor. ALSO READ: SASSA announces August payment dates for all social grants ALSO READ: Two arrested in Kwa-Thema for house robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms
