On 15 May 2026, health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda declared outbreaks of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, following reports of laboratory-confirmed cases in their respective countries. On 16 May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in accordance with the provisions of the International Health Regulations (IHR). On 18 May 2026, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). Since then, additional cases have continued to be reported.

Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) is a severe and fatal viral zoonotic disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, one of the four Orthoebolavirus species known to cause disease in humans. In previous BVD outbreaks in 2007 (Uganda) and 2012 (DRC), the case fatality rate (CFR) ranged from 30 to 50%. The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days. Infected persons are considered non-infectious during the asymptomatic phase (during the incubation period); however, they become infectious from the time of symptom onset. Initially, symptoms may be non-specific, with common early symptoms including fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, and fatigue. The disease may progress to organ dysfunction, gastrointestinal symptoms, and haemorrhage in some cases. Differential diagnoses may include malaria and other endemic febrile illnesses. Since there are currently no approved or licensed vaccines or specific treatment for BVD, control measures rely on rapid case identification, isolation and care, prompt contact tracing, safe and dignified burials, and effective community engagement. However, early symptomatic treatment and supportive care are lifesaving.

Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda

As of 09 June 2026, 635 confirmed cases, including 127 deaths (CFR: 20%) and 119 suspected cases, were reported in the DRC. In addition, 260 patients are in hospital isolation, with 30 cumulative recoveries and 61.1% of contact follow-up rates reported. Cases have been reported in 26 out of 104 health zones in three provinces (Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu). Ituri accounts for the largest number of cases and deaths (600 cases, 104 deaths, CFR: 17.3%) amongst confirmed cases, followed by North Kivu (32 cases, 22 deaths, CFR: 68.8%) and South Kivu (3 cases, 1 death, CFR: 33.3%). Though contact-tracing challenges persist, 5 814 contacts have been identified, and 2 847 are under follow-up and monitoring.

In Uganda, as of 08 June 2026, 19 confirmed cases, including two deaths (CFR: 10.5%), have been reported from Kampala and Wakiso districts. Of the confirmed cases, 14 were imported cases, and five were secondary infections linked to the imported cases. All the cases are epidemiologically linked to the DRC outbreak. One probable case and one probable death were reported. Approximately 792 contacts were identified, of which 388 completed follow-up and symptom monitoring, and 404 remained active and are being monitored.

Public health response, risk assessment, and travel advice

With support from partners and the WHO, both countries have instituted various public health response measures to contain and prevent further spread. The public health response activities include, but are not limited to, the deployment of rapid response teams, strengthening of surveillance and laboratory confirmation, contact tracing, isolation and treatment of cases, and cross-border coordination between the high-risk countries. Response efforts in the eastern DRC are largely affected by insecurity, population movement, weak contact follow-up, and challenges associated with extensive mining in the areas.

The risk of spread has been assessed as very high at the national level in the DRC and as high in Uganda. The risk in the neighbouring countries that share a land border with DRC and Uganda is considered high due to high cross-border population movements, trade, and mining activities. However, the risk is low at the Africa region level, and globally. Based on existing information, WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions with the countries currently reporting BVD outbreaks.

Situation in South Africa

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), in collaboration with the National Department of Health (NDOH), has issued preparedness guidance for BVD following outbreaks declared by health authorities in DRC and Uganda on 15 May 2026.

As of 11 June 2026, there have been no laboratory-confirmed cases of BVD in South Africa linked to the current outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda. However, healthcare workers should remain vigilant and maintain a high index of suspicion for individuals presenting with febrile illness and a recent travel history to affected areas in the DRC and Uganda. Additionally, malaria should be considered in the differential diagnosis of febrile illness in returning travellers.

If a suspected BVD case is identified (as per the case definition), testing should be requested via the NICD Hotline at 0800 212 552 (a 24-hour service for healthcare professionals only), with a detailed clinical, travel, and exposure history. Testing for viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) in South Africa is available only at the NICD.

VHFs, including BVD, are Category 1 Notifiable Medical Conditions (NMCs) in South Africa and require immediate reporting to the relevant authorities and notification within 24 hours of clinical suspicion to the NMC surveillance system. For more information on NMCs and how to notify cases, visit here.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

Measles surveillance

National measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases nationwide. Data available (accessed 10 June 2026) from 29 December 2025 to 07 June 2026 (ISO Weeks 1-23) indicated that 2031 laboratory-confirmed measles cases were reported nationally. Since the previous report several additional cases were identified. The Free State reported the highest number of new cases (51) followed by, Gauteng (28), Western Cape (26),  Limpopo (16) and Northern Cape (16), Eastern Cape (14), KwaZulu-Natal (9), Mpumalanga (5) and Northern West (1).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Clinicians and public health officials are urged to strengthen measles and rubella surveillance nationally to improve case reporting, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing, to support national measles elimination goals. All suspected measles and rubella cases should be investigated promptly, with blood specimens collected for laboratory confirmation, and notification should be completed through the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS ).

For the public

Public awareness campaigns should be intensified to build trust in vaccines and address hesitancy by engaging with community leaders, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to promote vaccine acceptance and participation in immunisation activities.

Update on the rubella outbreak in South Africa

Between 29 December 2025 and 07 June 2026  (ISO Weeks 1–23), a total of 307 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases were reported in South Africa through the national fever-rash surveillance system (data accessed 10 June 2026). In the previous two weeks, 17 new rubella cases were reported. During the reporting period, the majority of cases occurred among children aged 1–14 years (247/307; 80.5%).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is usually mild but can cause serious complications in pregnancy, resulting in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in infants. Health professionals should strengthen surveillance and laboratory confirmation of suspected cases to support national elimination goals.

For the community

Rubella, also known as German measles, spreads easily through coughs and sneezes and can be dangerous for unborn babies if a pregnant woman becomes infected. The best way to prevent rubella is through vaccination with the MR vaccine. This vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Relevant resources, including the case definition, investigation form, and surveillance results, are available on the NICD measles page and the measles-rubella dashboard.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

Highlights:

• Since the last situational report (week 22, 2026), the following updates are included in this report:
  • One new laboratory-confirmed case of toxigenic diphtheria from Gauteng.
  • No new asymptomatic carriers of toxigenic C. diphtheriae.
• Appropriate public health responses were initiated for all suspected and confirmed cases.

Information for clinicians

Clinical presentation of respiratory diphtheria

Respiratory diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable illness caused by toxigenic C. diphtheriae (and more rarely C. ulcerans or C. pseudotuberculosis), and can occur in persons of all ages.

The clinical presentation includes the following signs and symptoms:

• sore throat
• low-grade fever
• AND an adherent membrane of the nose, pharynx, tonsils, or larynx – the membrane is greyish-white and firmly adherent to the tissue
• AND/OR enlarged glands in the neck (bull neck)
• toxin-mediated systemic signs including myocarditis, polyneuropathy and renal damage

Patient management
Treatment includes antibiotics (azithromycin or penicillin) to clear the organism from the throat and prevent onward transmission, and diphtheria anti-toxin (DAT) to neutralise unbound toxin. The dosage of DAT is determined by the duration and severity of illness. Treatment, contact tracing and chemoprophylaxis should be started prior to laboratory confirmation. Early administration of DAT may be life-saving and should not be delayed in cases with a high index of suspicion. Supportive care is primarily aimed at airway management and includes providing oxygen, monitoring with electrocardiogram and intubation or performance of a tracheostomy if necessary.

To access previous diphtheria situational reports, click here.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

On 15 May 2026, health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda declared outbreaks of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, following reports of laboratory-confirmed cases in their respective countries. Since then, additional cases have continued to be reported. On 16 May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in accordance with the provisions of the International Health Regulations (IHR). On 18 May 2026, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS).

Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) is a severe and fatal viral zoonotic disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, one of the four Orthoebolavirus species known to cause disease in humans. In previous BVD outbreaks in 2007 (Uganda) and 2012 (DRC), the case fatality rates ranged from 30 to 50%. The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days. Initially, symptoms may be non-specific, with common early symptoms including fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, and fatigue. The disease may progress to organ dysfunction, gastrointestinal symptoms, and haemorrhage in some cases. Differential diagnoses may include malaria and other endemic febrile illnesses. Since there are currently no approved or licensed vaccines or specific treatment for BVD, control measures rely on rapid case identification, isolation and care, prompt contact tracing, safe and dignified burials, and effective community engagement. However, early symptomatic treatment and supportive care are lifesaving.

Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda
As of 3 June 2026, 381 confirmed cases, including 64 deaths (CFR 16.8%, 64/381) and seven recoveries, were reported in the DRC. Cases have been reported across 25 health zones in 3 provinces (Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu). Ituri accounts for the largest share of cases and deaths (359 cases, 50 deaths), followed by North Kivu (19 cases, 13 deaths) and South Kivu (3 cases, 1 death). About 4 010 contacts have been identified and are under monitoring, while 116 suspected cases are under investigation.

As of 2 June 2026, 15 confirmed cases have been reported in Uganda, including one death (CFR 6.7%, 1/15), two recoveries, and 12 hospitalisations. Where geographical information was available, cases were reported in Kampala and Wakiso. About 668 contacts have been identified and are under monitoring.

With support from partners and the WHO, both countries have instituted various public health response measures to contain and prevent further spread. The public health response activities include, but are not limited to, the deployment of rapid response teams, strengthening of surveillance and laboratory confirmation, contact tracing, isolation and treatment of cases, and cross-border coordination between the high-risk countries. Response efforts in the eastern DRC are largely affected by insecurity, population movement, weak contact follow-up, and challenges associated with extensive mining in the areas.

Current risk assessment and travel advice
The risk of spread is assessed as very high at the national level in the DRC, high at the regional level, and low globally. WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions with the affected countries due to these outbreaks.

Situation in South Africa
The National Institute for Communicable Disease (NICD), in collaboration with the National Department of Health (NDOH), has issued preparedness guidance for BVD following outbreaks declared by health authorities in DRC and Uganda on 15 May 2026.

As of 4 June 2026, there have been no laboratory-confirmed cases of BVD in South Africa linked to the current outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda. However, healthcare workers should remain vigilant and maintain a high index of suspicion for individuals presenting with febrile illness and a recent travel history to affected areas in the DRC and Uganda. Additionally, malaria should be considered in the differential diagnosis of febrile illness in returning travellers. If a suspected BVD case is identified (as per the case definition), testing should be requested via the NICD Hotline at 0800 212 552 (a 24-hour service for healthcare professionals only), with a detailed clinical, travel, and exposure history. Testing for viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) in South Africa is available only at the NICD. VHFs, including BVD, are Category 1 Notifiable Medical Conditions in South Africa and require immediate reporting to the relevant authorities and notification within 24 hours of clinical suspicion to the Notifiable Medical Condition surveillance system.

For more information on notifiable medical conditions and how to notify cases, click here.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

Measles surveillance

National measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases nationwide. Data available (accessed 02 June 2026) from 29 December 2025 to 31 May 2026 (ISO Weeks 1-22) indicated that 1865 laboratory-confirmed measles cases were reported nationally. In the previous week, Northern Cape reported the highest number of new cases (8) followed by Western Cape, Free State and Limpopo with (6), Eastern Cape (4), Gauteng and Mpumalanga (1). No new cases were reported in North West and KwaZulu-Natal.

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Clinicians and public health officials are urged to strengthen measles and rubella surveillance nationally to improve case reporting, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing, to support national measles elimination goals. All suspected measles and rubella cases should be investigated promptly, with blood specimens collected for laboratory confirmation, and notification should be completed through the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS ).

For the public

Public awareness campaigns should be intensified to build trust in vaccines and address hesitancy by engaging with community leaders, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to promote vaccine acceptance and participation in immunisation activities.

Update on the rubella outbreak in South Africa

Between 29 December 2025 and 31 May 2026 (ISO Weeks 1–22), a total of 294 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases were reported in South Africa through the national fever-rash surveillance system (data accessed 02 June 2026). In the previous two weeks, 21 new rubella cases were reported. During the reporting period, the majority of cases occurred among children aged 1–14 years (237/294; 80.6%).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is usually mild but can cause serious complications in pregnancy, resulting in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in infants. Health professionals should strengthen surveillance and laboratory confirmation of suspected cases to support national elimination goals.

For the community

Rubella, also known as German measles, spreads easily through coughs and sneezes and can be dangerous for unborn babies if a pregnant woman becomes infected. The best way to prevent rubella is through vaccination with the MR vaccine. This vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Relevant resources, including the case definition, investigation form, and surveillance results, are available on the NICD measles page and the measles-rubella dashboard.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

Highlights:

• Since the last situational report (week 21, 2026), the following updates are included in this report
  • Three new laboratory-confirmed cases of toxigenic diphtheria from the Western Cape.
  • No new asymptomatic carriers of toxigenic C. diphtheriae.

Information for clinicians

Clinical presentation of respiratory diphtheria

Respiratory diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable illness caused by toxigenic C. diphtheriae (and more rarely C. ulcerans or C. pseudotuberculosis), and can occur in persons of all ages.

The clinical presentation includes the following signs and symptoms:

• sore throat
• low-grade fever
• AND an adherent membrane of the nose, pharynx, tonsils, or larynx – the membrane is greyish-white and firmly adherent to the tissue
• AND/OR enlarged glands in the neck (bull neck)
• toxin-mediated systemic signs including myocarditis, polyneuropathy and renal damage

Patient management
Treatment includes antibiotics (azithromycin or penicillin) to clear the organism from the throat and prevent onward transmission, and diphtheria anti-toxin (DAT) to neutralise unbound toxin. The dosage of DAT is determined by the duration and severity of illness. Treatment, contact tracing and chemoprophylaxis should be started prior to laboratory confirmation. Early administration of DAT may be life-saving and should not be delayed in cases with a high index of suspicion. Supportive care is primarily aimed at airway management and includes providing oxygen, monitoring with electrocardiogram and intubation or performance of a tracheostomy if necessary.

To access previous diphtheria situational reports, click here.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

On 15 May 2026, the Ministry of Health (MoH) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda declared an Ebola disease outbreak after the laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) among symptomatic cases. In the DRC, eight laboratory-confirmed BVD cases, including healthcare workers presenting at different healthcare facilities, were reported. The cases were reported from three health zones (Mongbwalu, Bunia, and Rwampara in Ituri province. This is the 17^th Ebola disease outbreak to be declared in DRC since the first outbreak in 1976. The MoH in Uganda concurrently confirmed the BVD outbreak following the laboratory confirmation of one case in Kampala, imported from the DRC on 15 May 2026. Subsequently, the second laboratory confirmed imported case was reported on 16 May 2026 in Kampala, linked to the index case.

BVD is a severe and fatal viral zoonotic disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, which is one of the four Orthoebolavirus species known to cause disease in humans. In the previous BDV outbreaks in 2007 (Uganda) and 2012 (DRC), the case fatality rates ranged from 30 to 50%. The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days. Initially, the symptoms may be non-specific, with common early symptoms including fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, and fatigue. The disease may progress to organ dysfunction, gastrointestinal symptoms, and haemorrhage in some cases. The differential diagnoses may include malaria and other endemic febrile illnesses. Since there is currently no approved or licenced vaccines or specific treatment for BVD, control measures rely on the rapid identification of cases, isolation and care, prompt contact tracing, safe and dignified burials, and effective community engagement. However, early symptomatic treatment and supportive care are lifesaving.

The situation in South Africa

No laboratory-confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) have been reported in South Africa as of 27 May 2026. Currently, the general risk to the South African public is considered low. However, healthcare workers should be on high alert and maintain a high index of suspicion for any persons presenting with compatible viral haemorrhagic fever symptoms and with a recent travel history to affected areas in the DRC and Uganda. The National Institute for Communicable Disease (NICD), in collaboration with the national Department of Health (NDOH), has issued preparedness guidance for BVD following the outbreaks declared by health authorities in DRC and Uganda on 15 May 2026.

Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda

As of 27 May 2026, the DRC MoH and DRC National Institute of Public Health reported approximately 1 077 suspected cases, including 246 deaths among the suspected cases. A total of 121 confirmed cases and 17 deaths among the confirmed cases, including four healthcare workers, were reported. The case fatality rate (CFR) among the suspected cases is 22.8% (246/1 077) and 14% (17/121) among the confirmed cases. The confirmed cases were reported from 13 health zones in the provinces of Ituri (110 confirmed cases), North Kivu (10 confirmed cases), and South Kivu (one confirmed case). The deaths were reported in children under 15 years old and in those older than 15 years old. The majority of the cases were reported from Ituri province, in the Mongbwalu, Bunia, and Rwampara health zones.

In Uganda, Kampala, two new confirmed cases involving two healthcare workers have been reported on 25 May 2026, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to seven, including one death (CFR: 14.3%), as of 27 May 2026, linked to the DRC outbreak.

Public health response

WHO declared the DRC and Uganda Ebola disease outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 16 May 2026, as per the IHR defined provisions. Public health response in both countries includes deployment of the rapid response teams, strengthening laboratory confirmation, contact tracing, isolation and treatment of cases, and cross-border coordination between the high-risk countries. Response efforts in the eastern DRC are largely affected by insecurity, population movement, weak contact follow-up, and challenges with extensive mining in the areas. The risk of spread of the outbreak is assessed to be very high at the national level in DRC, high at the regional level, and low globally. WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions with the affected countries due to these outbreaks.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

Measles surveillance

National measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases nationwide. Data available (accessed 26 May 2026) from 29 December 2025 to 24 May 2026 (ISO Weeks 1-21) indicated that 1709 laboratory-confirmed measles cases were reported nationally. In the previous two weeks, the Western Cape reported the highest number of new cases (50), followed by Free State (30), Northern Cape (16), Limpopo (15), Gauteng (14), the Eastern Cape (10), Mpumalanga (9), and North West (5). No new cases were reported for KwaZulu-Natal.

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Clinicians and public health officials are urged to strengthen measles and rubella surveillance nationally to improve case reporting, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing, to support national measles elimination goals. All suspected measles and rubella cases should be investigated promptly, with blood specimens collected for laboratory confirmation, and notification should be completed through the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS ).

For the public

Public awareness campaigns should be intensified to build trust in vaccines and address hesitancy by engaging with community leaders, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to promote vaccine acceptance and participation in immunisation activities.

Update on the rubella outbreak in South Africa

Between 29 December 2025 and 24 May 2026 (ISO Weeks 1–21), a total of 276 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases were reported in South Africa through the national fever-rash surveillance system (data accessed 26 May 2026). In the previous weeks, only 7 new rubella cases were reported. During the reporting period, the majority of cases occurred among children aged 1–14 years (222/276; 80.4%).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is usually mild but can cause serious complications in pregnancy, resulting in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in infants. Health professionals should strengthen surveillance and laboratory confirmation of suspected cases to support national elimination goals.

For the community

Rubella, also known as German measles, spreads easily through coughs and sneezes and can be dangerous for unborn babies if a pregnant woman becomes infected. The best way to prevent rubella is through vaccination with the MR vaccine. This vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Relevant resources, including the case definition, investigation form, and surveillance results, are available on the NICD measles page and the measles-rubella dashboard.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

Highlights:

• Since the last situational report (week 20, 2026), the following updates are included in this report:
  o No new laboratory-confirmed cases of toxigenic diphtheria.
  o No new asymptomatic carriers of toxigenic C. diphtheriae.

Information for clinicians

Clinical presentation of respiratory diphtheria

Respiratory diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable illness caused by toxigenic C. diphtheriae (and more rarely C. ulcerans or C. pseudotuberculosis), and can occur in persons of all ages.

The clinical presentation includes the following signs and symptoms:

• sore throat
• low-grade fever
• AND an adherent membrane of the nose, pharynx, tonsils, or larynx – the membrane is greyish-white and firmly adherent to the tissue
• AND/OR enlarged glands in the neck (bull neck)
• toxin-mediated systemic signs including myocarditis, polyneuropathy and renal damage

Patient management
Treatment includes antibiotics (azithromycin or penicillin) to clear the organism from the throat and prevent onward transmission, and diphtheria anti-toxin (DAT) to neutralise unbound toxin. The dosage of DAT is determined by the duration and severity of illness. Treatment, contact tracing and chemoprophylaxis should be started prior to laboratory confirmation. Early administration of DAT may be life-saving and should not be delayed in cases with a high index of suspicion. Supportive care is primarily aimed at airway management and includes providing oxygen, monitoring with electrocardiogram and intubation or performance of a tracheostomy if necessary.

To access previous diphtheria situational reports, click here.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

Why are vaccines important?

Vaccination is a simple, safe, and effective way of protecting people against harmful infectious diseases, ensuring that people are protected should they be exposed to the diseases that they have been vaccinated against.

Vaccines use the body’s natural defences to build resistance to specific infections and makes your immune system stronger. They train the immune system to create antibodies, just as it does when it’s exposed to a disease. However, because vaccines contain only killed or weakened forms of viruses or bacteria, they do not cause the disease or put you at risk of its complications. Vaccines teach your body to fight certain diseases without you having to get sick.

Vaccines are one of the most impactful public health interventions in history, delivering wide-ranging benefits to individuals, communities, and health systems. Beyond individual protection, vaccines can contribute to reducing the spread of infections within communities and protecting vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Vaccination has led to the global eradication of the previously dreaded disease smallpox, and has brought diseases like poliomyelitis close to eradication in many regions. By preventing infections, vaccines reduce hospitalizations, complications, and long-term disabilities, easing pressure on healthcare systems and resources.

The South African Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) programme outlines the vaccination schedule from birth until the age of 12. Why is it important for parents to ensure that their kids don’t miss scheduled vaccination?

Although babies receive antibodies from their mothers during pregnancy and breastfeeding, this immunity only lasts a few months and is not fully protective. It is therefore imperative to vaccinate children in order to provide longer lasting and more complete protection. The South African Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) is designed to provide protection at the most critical stages of a child’s development. The schedule is timed carefully to ensure that the child’s immune system is ready to respond effectively to each vaccine dose. Thus, timely vaccinations ensure that children develop immunity before they are exposed to life-threatening illnesses.

 What should a parent do if they miss any vaccines? Is there a catch-up programme in place?

It’s never too late to vaccinate. If the child has missed any vaccination, catch-up vaccinations are available. A healthcare provider will be able to advise on the appropriate schedule for catch-up vaccines. Some changes may be made to the schedule depending on the age of the child at the time of catch-up vaccination.

 A recommended catch-up immunization schedule and a national field guide for the catch-up of child health interventions are available on the NICD website and provide more information on the process of catch-up of missed vaccination doses (see here).

 Often parents can be dissuaded to go to clinic due to long queues. Are EPI vaccines available in private clinics?

Yes, most private clinics offer vaccinations that are included in both the private and public (EPI) vaccination schedules, with only a small administration/service fee charged sometimes. An appointment has to be booked at these clinics.

 How safe are vaccines?

Before any vaccine is introduced in South Africa, the vaccine undergoes rigorous and stringent testing through multiple phases of clinical trials. In South Africa, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority carefully evaluate the results of these trials to help ensure that the vaccine meets the highest safety and efficacy standards before being considered suitable for use. Even after approval and widespread use, vaccines continue to be closely monitored. Surveillance systems detect rare or unexpected adverse events, ensuring that any potential safety concerns are rapidly investigated and addressed. In summary, vaccines are among the most thoroughly tested medical products. While minor side effects (such as soreness at the injection site or mild fever) can occur, serious adverse events are extremely rare. The robust, multi-layered safety system—from laboratory research to continuous global monitoring—helps ensure that vaccines remain safe for public use.

 In simple terms, what is vaccine hesitancy and why is it important to talk about it now?

Vaccine hesitancy refers to the refusal or delay in accepting safe vaccines even though vaccination services are available. Vaccine hesitancy not only affects individual and community health in terms of controlling vaccine-preventable diseases, but may also affect the overall success of public health vaccination programmes.

What are the key factors driving vaccine hesitancy in our communities today?

Vaccine hesitancy is a multifaceted and context-specific challenge, influenced by a combination of social, cultural, psychological, and systemic factors. Most often this includes misinformation, lack of knowledge or understanding of vaccines, cultural and/or religious beliefs, perceiving that the risk of infection is low and thus vaccinations are not important, concerns over the safety of vaccines, as well as a general lack of trust in the vaccination process.

 What simple actions can communities take to promote vaccine confidence?

• Talking openly about vaccines with family and friends and in your community in order to identify misinformation and misconceptions and reduce fear about vaccines.
• Use credible sources to obtain reliable information about vaccines and share accurate information.
• Involving trusted local leaders and public figures to encourage communities to vaccinate.