​The Gauteng Department of Health continues to call on schools and early childhood development centres (crèches) to open their doors to vaccination teams as part of the ongoing Measles-Rubella (MR) Mass Vaccination Campaign. 
The campaign which started on 04 August and runs until 12 September 2025, aims to protect over 4 million children aged 6 months to under 15 years from the current measles outbreak and future infectious diseases. The collective effort is vital to achieving the campaign's goal of reaching at least 95% coverage in the targeted age group.
Since January 2025, Gauteng has recorded over 380 confirmed measles cases, with the highest numbers in Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni. The newly introduced Measles-Rubella vaccine, now part of the public immunisation programme, is safe, free, and effective in preventing severe illness caused by measles and rubella. 
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. It can cause severe disease, complications, and even death. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and a rash all over the body. Vaccinating children now not only protects them immediately but also builds long-term immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks and ensuring healthier communities. 
To date, 1 266 schools and crèches have already been visited by vaccination teams across Gauteng. Johannesburg leads with 458 sites, followed by Ekurhuleni with 440, Tshwane with 160, West Rand with 118, and Sedibeng accounting for 90 sites. This progress reflects strong collaboration between health and education sectors, but more institutions are encouraged to come forward to ensure no child is left behind. 
Schools and crèches that have not yet been visited and wish to host a vaccination team are urged to contact their district's Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) managers.
The GDoH remains committed to containing the spread of measles and rubella in the province and urges all parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated by consenting, and to work with health teams conducting school and community campaigns. Interested volunteers and schools wishing to host vaccination teams can contact programme managers within their health districts as follows: