Cape Town: Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham joined healthcare workers, partners, caregivers and families for an immunisation awareness event at Eastridge Clinic in Mitchells Plain this Friday. To kick off the start of World Immunisation Week the team reinforced the importance of routine childhood vaccinations.
Reportedly, it was observed globally from April 24 to 30, that World Immunisation Week highlights the legacy of vaccines and the millions of lives were saved. This year’s, theme (for 2026) was ‘For every generation, vaccines work’.
This event came as City Health raised concern over declining immunisation rates across Cape Town. Between July 2025 and March 2026, the City Health administered 294,894 doses of vaccines to children up-until the age of 12, as compared to 310,786 in the previous comparative period.
Therefore, the number of fully immunised children under the age of one declined by 3.6%. This left more children vulnerable to preventable diseases such as measles, diphtheria, polio and pneumonia.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham stated that at Eastridge Clinic, she had the opportunity to meet with mothers, caregivers and healthcare workers who are doing the important daily work of protecting children through immunisation. World Immunisation Day is about vaccines, people, families and the shared responsibility they carry to protect one another.
According to Higham, they have large groups of children who are under-vaccinated and who are subsequently vulnerable to vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, especially measles. This is a serious concern that requires all of them to work together.
Recent data shows that vaccination coverage among children under one year remains below desired levels, and that continued effort is needed to ensure that all children are protected. When children miss scheduled vaccinations, they and others in the community became more vulnerable to preventable diseases. Recent outbreaks of measles and diphtheria have shown how quickly these illnesses can spread when protection is incomplete.
Noted by Cape Town, the City Health encourages residents to reflect on the youngest members of their communities, such as – babies in prams, toddlers holding their caregivers’ hands, and children full of promise and potential.
According to Higham, immunisation is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways they can protect the children and communities. Vaccines shield children from diseases that once caused great suffering, including measles, polio, tuberculosis, pneumonia, tetanus and diphtheria. They also gave parents peace of mind and allowed children to grow, play, learn and thrive.
By vaccinating a child, families are protecting that child, and also helping to safeguard siblings, neighbours and the broader community through collective protection.
Cllr Francine Higham added that if a child has missed a vaccination, it is not too late. The clinics are here, the healthcare workers are ready to help, and they walk this journey with families. The first 1000 days of a child’s life are critical, and every clinic visit, every vaccine, and every small step you take builds a stronger and healthier future for your child.
The Road to Health booklet remains an important tool for tracking a child’s growth and vaccinations, the online booking system makes it easy to book an appointment, and clinic staff are always available to explain the schedule, answer questions and assist with catch up vaccinations.