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The Gauteng Department of Health officially launched the Measles- Rubella (MR) Mass Vaccination Campaign today at Steve Biko Primary School in Orange Farm in Johannesburg. The campaign is a targeted response to the ongoing measles outbreak and aims to increase immunisation coverage among children aged 06 months to under 15 years across the province.
The campaign will run for six weeks from 04 August to 12 September 2025, with vaccination teams deployed to schools, early childhood development centres, clinics, hospitals and community sites. This provides an opportunity to administer the Measles-Rubella vaccine, introduced into the public immunisation programme in 2024, to children who have not previously received it.
Since January 2025, Gauteng has reported over 370 confirmed measles cases, with the majority recorded in Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni districts. The Department has responded with targeted immunisation drives, including school-based campaigns and outreach activities, and continues to expand efforts to reduce susceptibility to vaccine preventable diseases.
All public clinics and health facilities will be providing Measles-Rubella vaccinations during the campaign period.
The launch was led by MEC for Health and Wellness, Ms Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, and attended by representatives from the Gauteng Department of Education, school governing bodies, health officials, and partner organisations.
Delivering the keynote address, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised the importance of factual communication and public confidence in vaccines.
“The Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe, free, and effective in protecting children from severe illness. We urge all parents and guardians to sign consent forms and ensure their children are vaccinated,” said MEC
Nkomo-Ralehoko. “We also encourage communities to verify health information through official sources and avoid misinformation circulating on social media.”
During the launch, learners received vaccinations on-site as part of the campaign rollout. School health teams and facility-based staff will continue administering vaccines throughout the six-week period. Daily immunisation services will also continue at public health facilities in line with the Expanded Programme on Immunisation.
The Department will monitor uptake and report on progress throughout the campaign, with the objective of reaching a minimum 95% coverage in the targeted age group.
The department remains committed to preventing further spread of measles and to ensuring equitable access to routine and campaign-based immunisation services.
INFO SUPPLIED.