​Parents and guardians are urged to take immediate action by signing and returning school-issued consent forms to ensure their children receive the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine. This simple step saves lives and prevents serious illness as Gauteng faces an ongoing measles outbreak.
The province-wide Mass Vaccination Campaign, which began on 04 August and runs until 12 September 2025, aims to vaccinate over 4 million children.  The campaign aims to increase immunisation coverage among children aged 06 months to under 15 years across the province.
Professional nurses from the School Health Programme are visiting schools daily, working tirelessly to reach every eligible child. However, their efforts are being severely hampered by low consent form return rates. So far, only 914 112 children have been vaccinated, far below the target due to unsigned forms.
Measles is not a harmless childhood illness. It is a highly contagious virus that can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), blindness, and even death. Since January 2025, Gauteng has recorded over 400 confirmed cases, and the numbers continue to rise. Vaccination is the most effective way to stop the spread and protect vulnerable children.
The MR vaccine is safe, effective, and approved by health authorities worldwide. It has undergone rigorous testing and is routinely used to prevent outbreaks in children. The Department understands that some parents may have concerns but reassures the public that the vaccine has a strong safety record and is essential for public health.
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised the importance of parental cooperation, stating, "We understand that concerns about vaccine safety can arise, but we want to assure parents that the Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe for children. I therefore want to encourage all parents and guardians to take this opportunity seriously and sign consent forms for their children."
Time is running out. If your child has not yet been vaccinated, check with their school for the consent form and return it without delay. If you have questions or need assistance, contact your child's school or local clinic. Every signed form brings us one step closer to stopping the outbreak and safeguarding the health of our children and communities.
The Gauteng Department of Health 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. Schools that have not yet reached out to host vaccination teams can contact programme managers within their health districts as follows: