The Gauteng Department of Health is stepping up efforts to fight the ongoing measles outbreak with the launch this week of a Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign targeting more than 4m children, reports IOL.
It kicked off on Tuesday at Steve Biko Primary School in the Orange Farm area, aimed at children aged between six months and 15 years, across schools, crèches and communities in all five health districts.
The persistent measles outbreak has affected all Gauteng districts since 2022, with more than 370 confirmed cases recorded just since January this year, the department said.
The MR vaccine was introduced into the public immunisation schedule in late 2024 and now forms part of the province’s intensified efforts to curb the outbreak.
Gauteng Health has also appealed to both retired and active healthcare professionals and community members to volunteer with vaccinations, mobilisation, data capturing, and administrative support in their communities. Universities, nursing colleges, and private hospital groups are also being encouraged to support the effort by deploying student and practising nurses.
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Gauteng Health on vaccine drive as measles spreads
Gauteng scales up measles vaccines as infections increase