PICTURE: PEXELS/ CHILD COLOURING BOOK
The recent Diphtheria outbreak has caused the City of Cape Town’s Health Department to appeal to parents to prioritise their child’s vaccinations before schools and educare centres reopen, Cape Town etc reports.
With a 90% vaccination rate for children under one year old, City Health has surpassed the national target of 85%.
However, the recent concern regarding the rise in diphtheria cases has emphasised the need to ensure that every child is fully vaccinated, according to a press statement issued by City.
City Health has therefore urged all parents and caregivers to prioritise children’s immunisations to protect them against preventable diseases, as well as curb the risk of outbreaks.
Even recently, staff have conducted several outreaches to ramp up vaccination rates.
“I am pleased that we are achieving our immunisation targets, but it is critical that we maintain and even improve on our coverage, to better protect vulnerable groups in our communities,” said Councillor Patricia Van der Ross, mayco member for Community Services and Health.
“The recent increase in diphtheria cases is a serious concern. Diphtheria is a preventable but life-threatening disease and ensuring that every child is vaccinated is critical to safeguarding their health and the well-being of our communities,” Patricia added.
The Road To Health Booklet (RTHB) is a vital record for tracking immunisations, and citizens are encouraged to check if their child has any missed doses in their booklet.
If children are behind on their vaccinations, parents are advised to visit the nearest City Health clinic for catch-up vaccinations.
- In the public sector, children receive 16 immunisations between birth and the age of 12. Of these, 14 are administered within the first 18 months of their lives.
- If children are not up to date with the vaccination schedule, they can still get the vaccinations.
- Documents required for vaccinations include the caregiver’s ID, the child’s birth certificate and their RTHB booklet.
- If parents or caregivers do not have the required documents, they can still visit the clinic and the child will be vaccinated.
- If parents or caregivers have lost the RTHB book, they should inform healthcare workers so that a copy of the booklet can be issued.
City Health clinics offer free immunisation services and parents can visit any facility or make an appointment to avoid the queues.
Wellness pop-up sites and open days also provide convenient vaccination opportunities.
First published by Cape Town etc
Compiled by Jan-Hendrik De Villiers
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