DA reports sharp decline in child vaccinations in the Western Cape

Democratic Alliance (DA) Western Cape spokesperson on health Wendy Philander, has expressed concern at the sharp decline in child vaccinations in the province. 

The party is calling on parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated. Vaccination helps strengthen the immune systems of individuals against viruses and disease, which couldn’t be any more pertinent amid a pandemic. 

VACCINATION RATE DECLINES BY TWO-THIRDS IN THE WESTERN CAPE 

Although 85% of children in the Cape Metro are fully immunised, the vaccination rate has declined by two-thirds. 

“This makes up 65% of all immunisations in the Western Cape,” said Philander. 

“Managing the epicentre of the pandemic in the province required healthcare facilities to de-escalate many services. However, during a briefing to the Ad-hoc Committee on COVID-19 in June, the provincial health department announced that it would put in place strategies to catch-up all services including immunisation efforts amongst children whilst managing COVID-19 protocols.”

Overall, the number of children under the age of five visiting Public Healthcare facilities fell by 70% in April 2020 compared to April 2019.

RESIDENTS TO BE ON ALERT FOR DEPARTMENTAL CALLS 

Philander said there are ways in which to ensure the number of vaccinations does not continue to decline. 

“Along with routine and opportunistic immunisation, strategies to catch-up include recalling clients through Hospitals and Community Healthcare Workers. Contracted private service providers have helped maintain immunisation and offered shorter waiting periods along with easing difficulties with transport,” she said. 

According to Philander, these services are still available free of charge at public health facilities. 

“I strongly encourage residents to be on alert for departmental calls in their areas and to vaccinate children in due time. The COVID-19 pandemic has called on each of us to carefully reconsider every aspect of our health. The DA in the Western Cape will use every possible measure to keep residents safe, healthy, and informed as together we stop the spread,” she added. 

ENTERING THE PEAK 

On Wednesday 8 July, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told Parliament that we have entered the eye of the storm, so to speak, regarding the COVID-19 caseload. 

“Honourable House Chairperson and Honourable Members, we have now reached the surge,” said Mkhize. 

“The storm that we have consistently warned South Africans about is now arriving,” he added. 

On Thursday 9 July, Mkhize announced that the confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa rose to 238 339. Although the Western Cape is no longer the epicentre of the country, a total of 74 815 COVID-19 cases were reported in the province, as well as, 2 229 deaths and 55 534 recoveries.