Childhood Vaccinations: What Parents Need to Know

Vaccinations are one of the greatest achievements in public health, preventing millions of childhood deaths worldwide each year. In South Africa, the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) provides free vaccines for children at public health facilities, and private practices like NeoHealth offer the full schedule along with additional recommended vaccines.

The South African immunisation schedule begins at birth with BCG (tuberculosis) and the first dose of oral polio vaccine. Over the first 18 months, your child will receive vaccines against hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, and measles, among others.

Booster doses at 18 months and 6 years are essential to maintain immunity. Many parents remember the initial infant vaccines but forget the boosters — these are just as important for long-term protection.

Beyond the EPI schedule, we recommend additional vaccines including varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis A, meningococcal vaccine, and the annual influenza vaccine. These are not part of the free government programme but provide valuable additional protection.

Common side effects of vaccination include mild fever, fussiness, and soreness at the injection site. These are normal signs that the immune system is responding and typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Serious side effects are extremely rare.

Misinformation about vaccines continues to circulate on social media. The evidence is overwhelming and clear: vaccines are safe, effective, and essential for your child's health. At NeoHealth, Dr. Chellan is happy to discuss any concerns you may have and help you make informed decisions about your child's immunisation schedule.