In an effort to protect children from the ongoing measles outbreak and provide a booster dose of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine to children between 06 months and under 15 years of age, the Gauteng Department of Health on Tuesday, 05 August 2025 launched a province-wide Measles-Rubella (MR) Mass Vaccination Campaign, at Steve Biko Primary School in Orange Farm, Johannesburg Health District.
MEC for Health and Wellness, Ms. Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, lead the launch under the theme “Lifelong Protection against Measles and Rubella Disease.” The campaign ran from 04 August to 12 September 2025, and targetted over 4 million children in schools, crèches, and communities across all five health districts in the province.
The campaign comes as Gauteng continues to respond to a persistent measles outbreak that has affected all districts since 2022, with over 370 confirmed cases recorded since January 2025. The MR vaccine, which protects against both measles and rubella, was introduced into the public immunisation schedule in late 2024 and is now being rolled out at scale.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko was joined by health officials, partners, community leaders, and learners during the event, which will include on-site vaccinations and health education.
Parents and guardians were encouraged to sign and return consent forms distributed through schools and crèches to allow their children to be immunised. Vaccination is safe, free, and proven to prevent severe complications and disabilities associated with measles and rubella.
The Department is also calling on retired and active nurses, staff nurses, data capturers, and community members to volunteer for this important campaign. Volunteers will assist with vaccinations, mobilisation, data capturing, and administrative support in their local communities. Additionally, universities, nursing colleges, and private hospital groups are urged to support the campaign by allocating student and practicing nurses to assist health teams.
