The department says timely vaccinations are essential for protecting children from life threatening diseases such as measles, rubella, and polio.

Despite free immunisation services being available, only 82.3% of children under the age of one were fully vaccinated in the 2024/2025 financial year, which falls short of the national 90% target.

The department notes that districts such as Tshwane and Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, are facing challenges in reaching these targets and says efforts are underway to improve coverage.

Department Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba says, "The Gauteng Member of the Executive Council for Health and Wellness has actually emphasized this call, saying that the failure to complete a child’s immunisation schedule is not just a medical oversight, it is a silent threat to their wellbeing and a subtle form of neglect."

Modiba adds, "Therefore, we must do everything possible to ensure that we make use of this Child Protection Week to recommit to protecting the rights of our children."

The department says it will continue working with healthcare facilities and communities to increase awareness and access to immunisation services.

--SABC--