Your 2025 guide to vaccinations in South Africa

This vaccination guide from Ajuda provides everything you need to know about vaccinations in South Africa for 2025.In 2009, South Africa experienced a significant measles outbreak.
Dr Liza Street, paediatrician and co-founder of Ajuda, a digital storage vault for health information, was on the front lines as sick children by the dozen started arriving at the hospital where she was working.
Some children, predominantly vaccinated, received treatment for mild symptoms and were sent home. The unvaccinated children, babies and those with compromised immune systems were less fortunate, developing complications like pneumonia, dehydration, middle ear infections and inflammation of the brain.
“The paediatric wards were overflowing with critically ill children. The isolation ward was at capacity and even the ICU was full,” recalls Street.
One 18-month-old boy had severe pneumonia. By the time he arrived, his oxygen levels were already dangerously low, and his body was fighting for every breath,” says Street.
“The team saved his life, but it was traumatic. We had no choice but to intubate him and put him on a ventilator.”Street remembers watching the boy’s parents, sitting helplessly by his bedside.
“Seeing their eyes, filled with fear and desperation, was heartbreaking. They had done everything they could, but were not aware of the importance of vaccination.”
How vaccinations save lives“Vaccines work by introducing a harmless version of a germ, either weakened or inactive, into your body, so your immune system can learn to recognise and fight it without making you sick,” explains Street.
“Your immune system stores the memory of how to fight that germ. If you encounter the real, harmful version later, your body can respond quickly and prevent serious illness.”
Vaccinated people not only protect themselves but also newborns and immune-compromised people who rely on those around them to be vaccinated so that they do not get exposed to life-threatening germs.
Vaccination schedule explainedGovernment programme: South Africa has a government-sponsored vaccination programme that provides free vaccines for children through state clinics and hospitals.
Optional add-ons: There are additional vaccines that you have to pay for, such as the chickenpox vaccine, meningococcal vaccine, flu vaccine and travel vaccinations. If you can, get the added protection of the additional vaccinations.
Flu vaccine: Doctors recommend the flu vaccination starting at six months. It is important for children in creches, or those with chronic illnesses or respiratory conditions. Tip: Ideally, get flu jabs before May (the start of flu season).
Decoding vaccine namesWhen you look at the vaccine schedule, you will see different options for some vaccines.
“It is usually because different pharmaceutical companies make them. However, there is not one ‘better’ than the other; they protect against the same diseases and work similarly,” says Street.
“Typically, you will get whichever vaccine is available at your pharmacy, baby clinic or hospital.”
Why you need to keep a record of vaccinationsIt is crucial to keep a record.
“Some parents are good at ensuring they diarised each new vaccine date for their children, but many find it difficult to keep track over time,” says Taryn Uhlmann, co-founder of Ajuda.
It gets especially tricky as children get older when vaccinations are further apart, especially when there is more than one child to keep track of.
Other reasons for record-keepingTravel: Some countries require proof of certain vaccinations.
“When travelling through Africa, for example, a yellow fever vaccination is a common requirement,” says Uhlmann.
“The ability to access it quickly via a digital vault on your phone makes access easier and if you travel often, you can find it each time you plan a trip.”
Relocating: Different countries have different vaccination programmes.
Documenting reactions: “Take pictures of reactions like rashes and upload them, to have on hand should a healthcare provider needs them or to be prepared when having the next round of vaccinations,” says Uhlmann.
How to prepare your child for vaccination day“Vaccines rarely hurt as much as people expect,” says Street.
“Most children only feel a brief sting or pinch at the insertion of the needle. Afterwards, they may experience mild side effects like a sore arm, fever, or fatigue, but these typically go away within a few days.”
5 tips for a stress-free vaccination day:1. Bring your vaccination card (Road to Health card) to be updated.
2. Schedule an appointment when your child is well-rested and not overly hungry or sick.
3. Dress your child in comfortable clothing to allow easy access to the upper leg or arm.
4. Be prepared to comfort your child immediately with a favourite toy or snack. For younger babies, breastfeeding after the shot can help soothe them.
5. If your child develops a fever after vaccination, you can give paracetamol to help lower it (no need to give paracetamol before the vaccination).
If you notice anything concerning after the vaccination, contact your doctor or nurse.
“The chances of serious side effects are very low. The protection vaccines offer against harmful diseases far outweigh any potential risks,” says Street.
It has been 16 years and Street still thinks about the children she saw suffering during the 2009 measles outbreak.
“The experience reinforced my belief in the critical importance of vaccination. It is not just about preventing an illness; it is about saving lives, reducing suffering, and protecting those who are most vulnerable.”