We unpack the important reasons to keep your child’s immunisation up to date.
Staying up to date with immunisation is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your child’s health, and it plays a vital role in safeguarding the wider community, too.
It’s easy to think of diseases like whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus as illnesses of the past. In reality, they still exist in South Africa and can spread quickly, particularly in environments where children gather – schools, crèches and even within families.
how does immunisation work?
Immunisation works by gently teaching your child’s immune system how to recognise and fight harmful germs. Each vaccine contains carefully tested, safe components that prepare the body to respond effectively if exposed to disease in the future. For babies and young children, this protection is especially important, as their immune systems are still developing.
In South Africa, routine childhood immunisations are guided by the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) from the National Department of Health. These vaccines are given in stages, starting from around six weeks of age, with additional doses and boosters scheduled as children grow.
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about vaccinations.
it’s not just about the early years
Many parents assume that once baby vaccinations are complete, their child is fully protected. However, immunity can weaken over time. That’s why booster doses are an essential part of the schedule, particularly during the school years.
If a child misses a dose or a booster, they may not be fully protected – even if they appear healthy. And, when one child becomes ill, infections can spread quickly to others who are unprotected or partially protected.
Some of these illnesses can be more serious than expected:
- Diphtheria can affect breathing and damage the heart and nerves.
- Tetanus can enter through small cuts and cause severe muscle stiffness and breathing difficulties.
- Whooping cough can lead to prolonged coughing fits, breathing struggles and complications, especially in younger children.
Staying on schedule with vaccinations helps prevent these risks and supports overall community health.
check the booklet, not just the calendar
A simple but powerful step is to take a moment to review your child’s Road-to-Health booklet (or clinic card). This record tracks all immunisations and helps you see whether anything has been missed or is due soon.
If the dates or notes feel confusing, you’re not alone – clinic nurses can help interpret the schedule and guide you. If the booklet has been misplaced, a replacement can be issued at your nearest primary healthcare clinic, where staff can help reconstruct your child’s records.
Routine immunisations are provided free of charge at government clinics, making them accessible to all families. Some schools also support catch-up programmes through school-based immunisation days.
As Shaakira Abrahams, medical manager at Sanofi South Africa, explains: “Routine immunisations help protect against serious illness, safeguard your child, their classmates and your community.”
making vaccination day easier
Even when we understand the importance of immunisation, the experience itself can feel daunting – for both children and parents. The good news is that small, thoughtful actions can make a big difference.
Research shows that children often take their emotional cues from their caregivers. When parents feel calm and reassuring, children are more likely to feel secure too.
Strategies to help
- Stay close: holding your baby or letting your child sit on your lap can provide comfort and a sense of safety.
- Offer a feed or comfort item: breastfeeding, a bottle or even a favourite toy can help distract and soothe.
- Use distraction: bubbles, songs or simple conversation can shift focus away from the moment.
These small acts of connection can transform a stressful experience into one that feels manageable and reassuring.
Comforting your child afterwards
It’s normal for children to feel a little unsettled after vaccinations. Mild fever, fussiness or tenderness at the injection site may occur, but these symptoms usually settle within a few days.
For younger babies, simple calming techniques can be especially effective. Panado’s® “5 S’s” offer gentle ways to soothe:
- Swaddling to create a sense of security.
- Side or stomach positioning (when held and supervised.)
- Shushing softly to mimic familiar sounds.
- Swinging or gentle rocking.
- Sucking through feeding or a pacifier.
For older babies and children, extra cuddles, quiet time and reassurance often go a long way.
If your child seems uncomfortable or develops a fever, appropriate pain and fever relief can help ease symptoms. Products like Panado® are commonly used for this purpose, and tools such as the online Panado® Dosage Calculator can help parents ensure they are giving the correct dose based on age and weight.
beyond the needle
Vaccination day is about more than a quick visit to the clinic. It’s an opportunity to build trust, offer comfort and reinforce a sense of safety. When children feel supported through these experiences, it shapes how they respond to healthcare throughout their lives.
Keeping immunisations up to date is one of the most practical steps you can take to protect your child – not just today, but for years to come. Take a moment to check that small but powerful booklet. It may seem like a simple task, but it carries lasting impact – for your child and everyone around them.
