Explainer
All you need to know about childhood vaccinations
The safest method to protect children from life-threatening diseases.
Immunisation is an important and effective health intervention for children. Over the course of history, it has helped keep millions of children protected against infectious and life-threatening diseases.
Vaccines have been so effective that some diseases that were once feared are now either eradicated or easily manageable.
But, for the first time in three decades, we’re witnessing the largest sustained backslide in childhood vaccinations.
This is being driven by pandemic disruptions, conflict, displacement and increasing vaccine misinformation. As a result, some 25 million children globally are now missing out on life-saving vaccines every year, placing them at risk from devastating and entirely preventable diseases like measles and polio.
In South Africa, there are some 100,000 zero dose children – young children who have missed lifesaving childhood vaccinations.
In late 2022, South Africa recorded an outbreak of measles that threatens the health of children and adults across the country, particularly those who have missed childhood immunisations.
Now more than ever, ensuring that children are up-to-date with their routine immunisations is crucially important.
In South Africa, every new born baby should receive the free Road To Health booklet that provides parents and caregivers with crucial health care information for their child and a schedule to help keep track of routine clinic visits for check-ups and immunisation.
If you do not have a Road To Health booklet for your child, you can collect one at any health facility in South Africa, free of charge.
Know your child's immunization schedule
Vaccines are most effective when they are administered to children at the right age and with the recommended dosage as children are susceptible to certain diseases at certain ages. As an example, polio occurs most frequently in children below the age of 5. Because of this, polio vaccines are given to children of those ages to prevent harm caused by the disease. A child who isn't vaccinated or isn't vaccinated on time remains unprotected and has increased chances of getting seriously ill.
Here is all the information you need to know about your child's immunisation
Private sector Immunization schedule
At birth
At birth
Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG)
- This is a single dose vaccine.
- Administered via injection on upper arm
- This vaccine offers protection against tuberculosis.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Soreness or discharge where the injection was given
- High temperature
- Headache
- Swollen glands under the armpit on the arm that received the vaccine shot
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) – 0 dose
- This is the first dose taken at birth. The next dose is taken when your child is 6 weeks old, the third dose at 10 weeks old, and the last dose at 14 weeks old.
- Administered orally
- This vaccine protects against the poliovirus which is a highly infectious disease that invades the nervous system and can lead to total paralysis. The virus primarily affects children 5 years and below.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- There are no common side effects associated with this vaccine.
Hepatitis B birth dose
- This is a single dose vaccine.
- Administered via injection
- This vaccine protects against Hepatitis B which is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Other than some redness and soreness where the injection was given, side effects are rare.
- It's an inactivated (dead) vaccine, so it cannot cause the infection itself.
6 Weeks
6 Weeks
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) - 1
- This is the second OPV dose taken at 6 weeks. The next dose is taken when your child is is 10 weeks old, and the last dose at 14 weeks old.
- Administered orally
- This vaccine protects against the poliovirus which is a highly infectious disease that invades the nervous system and can lead to total paralysis. The virus primarily affects children 5 years and below.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- There are no common side effects associated with this vaccine.
Pentavalent - 1
- This is the first dose taken at 6 weeks old. The next dose is taken when your child is 10 weeks old and the last dose at 14 weeks old.
- Administered via injection
- This vaccine offers protection against Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Swelling, redness and pain may occur at the site where the injection is given.
- Children may develop fever for a short time after immunization.
- Symptoms usually appear the day after vaccination and last between 1-3 days.
Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV) - 1
- This is the first dose of three doses. The second dose is taken when your child is 10 weeks old and the last dose at 14 weeks old.
- Administered orally
- This vaccine offers protection against rotaviruses which are the most common cause of severe diarrhoeal disease in infants and young children.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Side effects are rare and mild
- May include diarrhea, vomiting and irritation
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) - 1*
- The first of two doses of the PCV. The second dose is taken when your child is 14 weeks old.
- Administered via injection
- This vaccine offers protection against meningitis, septicemia and pneumonia to milder infections such as sinusitis and otitis media.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain or tenderness
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Fussiness (irritability)
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Chills
Inactivated Polio Vaccine (fIPV) - 1
- The first of two doses of the fIPV. The second dose is given to your child at 14 weeks.
- Administered via injection
- This vaccine offers protection from the poliovirus which is a highly infectious viral disease that largely affects children under 5 years of age.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Soreness
- Fever
10 Weeks
10 Weeks
Pentavalent - 2
- The second dose is taken when your child is 10 weeks old and the last dose at 14 weeks old.
- Administered via injection
- This vaccine offers protection against Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Swelling, redness and pain may occur at the site where the injection is given.
- Children may develop fever for a short time after immunization.
- Symptoms usually appear the day after vaccination and last between 1-3 days.
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) - 2
- This is the third OPV dose taken when your child is 10 weeks old. The last dose is taken when the child is 14 weeks old.
- Administered orally
- This vaccine protects against the poliovirus which is a highly infectious disease that invades the nervous system and can lead to total paralysis. The virus primarily affects children 5 years and below.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- There are no common side effects associated with this vaccine.
Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV) - 2
- The second dose is taken when your child is 10 weeks old and the last dose at 14 weeks old.
- Administered via injection
- Administered orally
- This vaccine offers protection against rotaviruses which are the most common cause of severe diarrhoeal disease in infants and young children.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Side effects are rare and mild
- May include diarrhea, vomiting and irritation
14 Weeks
14 Weeks
Pentavalent - 3
- This is the last Pentavalent vaccine dose to be taken at 14 weeks old.
- Administered via injection
- This vaccine offers protection against Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Swelling, redness and pain may occur at the site where the injection is given.
- Children may develop fever for a short time after immunization.
- Symptoms usually appear the day after vaccination and last between 1-3 days.
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) - 3
- This is the last OPV dose is taken when your child Is 14 weeks old.
- Administered orally
- This vaccine protects against the poliovirus which is a highly infectious disease that invades the nervous system and can lead to total paralysis. The virus primarily affects children 5 years and below.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- There are no common side effects associated with this vaccine.
Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV) - 3
- This is the last RVV dose is taken when your child Is 14 weeks old.
- Administered via injection
- Administered orally
- This vaccine offers protection against rotaviruses which are the most common cause of severe diarrhoeal disease in infants and young children.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Side effects are rare and mild
- May include diarrhea, vomiting and irritation
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) - 2
- The second of two doses of the PCV given at 14 weeks old.
- Administered via injection
- This vaccine offers protection from meningitis, septicaemia and pneumonia to milder infections such as sinusitis and otitis media.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain or tenderness
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Fussiness (irritability)
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Chills
Inactivated Polio Vaccine (fIPV) - 2
- The final fIPV dose is given to your child at 14 weeks.
- Administered via injection
- This vaccine offers protection from the poliovirus which is a highly infectious viral disease that largely affects children under 5 years of age.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Soreness
- Fever
9 to 12 Months
9 to 12 Months
Measles & Rubella (MR-1)
- The first of two doses of the MR vaccine. The second dose is administered between 16-24 months old.
- Administered via injection
- This vaccine offers protection against measles and rubella. Measles is often a severe disease, frequently complicated by middle-ear infection or bronchopneumonia. Rubella causes a mild exanthematous illness, along with few constitutional symptoms, and occurs most commonly in childhood.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Redness, swelling and sore feeling for 2 to 3 days
- Around 7 to 11 days after the injection, babies or young children may feel a bit unwell or develop a high temperature for about 2 or 3 days
Japanese Encephalitis (JE-1)
- The first of two doses of the JE-1 vaccine. The second dose is given to your child between 16-24 months.
- Administered via injection
- This vaccine offers protection against Japanese Encephalitis which is the main cause of viral encephalitis in Asia. Most infections are mild or without apparent symptoms other than fever and a headache. However, sometimes it can result in severe clinical illness.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Fever though rarely (more often in children).
- Headache or muscle aches mainly in adults.
- Pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling around the vaccine shot.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine - Booster
- This is a single dose vaccine.
- Administered via injection
- The vaccine offers protection against pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, meningitis, bacteremia.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Redness/swelling
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Fever
- Increased crying
16 to 24 Months
16 to 24 Months
Measles & Rubella (MR-2)
- The second of two doses of the MR vaccine to be taken by your child between 16-24 months.
- Administered via injection
- The vaccine offers protection against measles and rubella. Measles is an almost invariable clinical experience of childhood, and is often a severe disease, frequently complicated by middle-ear infection or bronchopneumonia. Rubella (German measles) gives rise to a mild exanthematous illness, accompanied by few constitutional symptoms, and occurs most commonly in childhood.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- The area where the needle goes in looking red, swollen and feeling sore for 2 to 3 days
- Around 7 to 11 days after the injection, babies or young children may feel a bit unwell or develop a high temperature for about 2 or 3 days
Japanese Encephalitis (JE-2)
- The final JE vaccine to be administered between 16-24 months.
- Administered via injection
- This vaccine offers protection against Japanese Encephalitis which is the main cause of viral encephalitis in Asia. Most infections are mild or without apparent symptoms other than fever and a headache. However, sometimes it can result in severe clinical illness.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Fever though rarely (more often in children).
- Headache or muscle aches mainly in adults.
- Pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling around the area of the vaccine shot.
Diphtheria Pertussis & Tetanus (DPT) - Booster 1
- The first of two doses of the DPT vaccine. The second dose is given to your child between 5-6 years old.
- Administered via injection
- The vaccine offers protection from diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Soreness or swelling around the area of the vaccine shot.
- Fever
- Irritation
- Exhaustion
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
Oral Polio Vaccine – Booster
- This is a single dose vaccine.
- Administered orally
- This vaccine protects against the poliovirus which is a highly infectious disease that invades the nervous system and can lead to total paralysis. The virus primarily affects children 5 years and below.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include: There are no common side effects associated with this vaccine.
5 to 6 Years
5 to 6 Years
Diphtheria Pertussis & Tetanus (DPT) - Booster 2
- The second of two doses, DPT vaccine is to be given to your child when they are 5-6 years old.
- Administered via injection
- The vaccine offers protection from diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Soreness or swelling around the area of the vaccine shot.
- Fever
- Irritation
- Exhaustion
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
9 Years
9 Years
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine (1&2)
- Delivered in 2 doses (6 months apart)
- Administered via injection
- The vaccine provides protection against the Human Papilloma Virus which can cause cervical cancer.
-
Possible side effects include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling in the arm where the shot was given.
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache or feeling tired
- Muscle or joint pain.
- The HPV vaccine is given as part of the school health programme in Government schools rather than the expanded program of immunization and is available to Grade 5 girls, 9 years and older. For more information, contact your health care provider or child’s school and visit our HPV page.
10 Years
10 Years
Tetanus & adult Diphtheria (Td)
- This is a single dose vaccine.
- Administered via injection
- The vaccine provides protection against tetanus which can be contracted through infected cuts or wounds with the spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Diphtheria can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, or death. Most cases occur within 14 days of infection.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Pain
- Redness or swelling around the area of the vaccine shot
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Exhaustion
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomachache
12 Years
12 Years
COVID-19
- The COVID-19 vaccine is administered as either a single dose (Johnson & Johnson) or a double dose (Pfizer) with recommended follow-up booster doses. Visit https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/ to register and https://sacoronavirus.co.za/ for the latest COVID-19 information.
- Administered via injection.
- The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and provide the best protection against serious illness and death.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Arm soreness at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle or joint aches
- Chills
- Diarrhoea
You can manage any side effects with rest, staying hydrated and taking medication to manage pain and fever, if needed.
16 Years
16 Years
Tetanus & adult Diphtheria (Td)
- This is a single dose vaccine.
- Administered via injection
- The vaccine provides protection against tetanus which can be contracted through infected cuts or wounds with the spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Diphtheria can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, or death. Most cases occur within 14 days of infection.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Pain
- Redness or swelling around the area of the vaccine shot
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Exhaustion
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomachache
For any immediate health concerns, please reach out to your local doctor or the health centre in your community.
Department of Health immunization schedule
At birth
At birth
Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG)
- This is a single dose vaccine.
- Administered via injection on upper right arm
- This vaccine offers protection against tuberculosis, which is a disease that can affect people of all ages. TB causes long bouts of coughing, chest pain, night sweats, weight loss and even death if left untreated. In young children, the TB germ may infect the brain and cause meningitis, or it could also enter the blood and spread to other parts of the body. TB can kill young people. The best protection for young children against opportunistic diseases caused by the TB germ is the BCG vaccine.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Soreness or discharge where the injection was given
- High temperature
- Headache
- Swollen glands under the armpit on the arm that received the vaccine shot
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) – 0 dose
- This is the first dose taken at birth. The next dose is given when your child is 6 weeks old.
- Administered via drops by mouth
- This vaccine protects against the poliovirus which is a highly infectious disease that invades the nervous system and can lead to total paralysis. The virus primarily affects children 5 years and below.
- It is uncommon to get side effects from this vaccine – diarrhoea, headache and muscle pain have been experienced by a very small percentage of babies receiving the vaccine.
6 Weeks
6 Weeks
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) - 1
- This is the second and final dose of OPV, taken at 6 weeks.
- It is administered via drops
- This vaccine protects against the poliovirus which is a highly infectious disease that invades the nervous system and can lead to total paralysis. The virus primarily affects children 5 years and below.
- Oral Polio Vaccine is given by mouth, providing protection in the mouth, in the intestines, and then in the blood. Protection in the mouth and intestines are important as polioviruses infect the mouth and multiply in the intestines.
- It is uncommon to get side effects from this vaccine – diarrhoea, headache and muscle pain have been experienced by a very small percentage of babies receiving the vaccine.
DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV (1)
- This is the first of four doses, and is given at 6 weeks old. The next dose is given when your child is 10 weeks old. The third dose is given when your child is 14 weeks old, and the fourth and last dose
- It is administered via injection in left thigh
- This is a six in one vaccine. It offers protection against Diphtheria. Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) and Haemophilus Influenzae Type B and Hepatitis B
- Diphtheria is a dangerous bacterial disease which makes it difficult to breathe. Children who survive diphtheria disease suffer permanent damage such as blindness, deafness and brain damage.
- Tetanus (lockjaw) occurs when a toxin produced by a tetanus germ from the soil enters a cut or wound. The toxin can cause muscle spasms, breathing and heart problems, and death. The chances of dying from this condition are very high.
- Pertussis (whooping cough) starts with a headache, fever and cough. The heavy coughing bouts make it hard for a child to eat, drink or even breathe.
- Polio is a highly infectious disease that invades the nervous system and can lead to total paralysis. The virus primarily affects children 5 years and below.
- Inactivated Polio Vaccine is an injectable vaccine that provides protection in the blood . The IPV and OPV evoke different immune responses. To help eradicate polio, and get the benefits of both, they should be used together.
- Haemophilus Influenza Type B (Hib) is an illness that affects children under the age of 5 years, and death from Hib disease is common in children under the age of 1.
- Hepatitis B: It is an infection of the liver that can cause liver damage, liver cancer and death later in life.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Swelling, redness and pain may occur at the site where the injection is given.
- Fever for a short time after immunization.
- Symptoms usually appear the day after vaccination and last between 1-3 days.
Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV) - 1
- This is the first dose of two doses. The second dose is taken when your child is 14 weeks old.
- It is administered as liquid by mouth
- This vaccine offers protection against rotaviruses which are the most common cause of severe diarrhoeal disease in infants and young children.
- Potential side effects are rare and mild, but may include diarrhea, vomiting and irritation.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) - 1
- This is the first of three doses of the PCV. The second dose is taken when your child is 14 weeks old and the last dose at 9 months old.
- Administered via injection in the right thigh
- This vaccine offers protection against meningitis, septicemia and pneumonia as well as to milder infections such as sinusitis and otitis media.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain or tenderness
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Fussiness (irritability)
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Chills
10 Weeks
10 Weeks
DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV (2)
- This is the second dose of DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV. The first dose is given at 6 weeks old. The third dose is given at 14 weeks old and the last dose at 18 months old.
- It is administered via injection in the left thigh
- This is a six in one vaccine. It offers protection against Diphtheria. Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) and Haemophilus Influenzae Type B and Hepatitis B
- Diphtheria is a dangerous bacterial disease which makes it difficult to breathe. Children who survive diphtheria disease suffer permanent damage such as blindness, deafness and brain damage.
- Tetanus (lockjaw) occurs when a toxin produced by a tetanus germ from the soil enters a cut or wound. The toxin can cause muscle spasms, breathing and heart problems, and death. The chances of dying from this condition are very high.
- Pertussis (whooping cough) starts with a headache, fever and cough. The heavy coughing bouts make it hard for a child to eat, drink or even breathe.
- Polio is a highly infectious disease that invades the nervous system and can lead to total paralysis. The virus primarily affects children 5 years and below.
- Inactivated Polio Vaccine is an injectable vaccine that provides protection in the blood . The IPV and OPV evoke different immune responses. To help eradicate polio, and get the benefits of both, they should be used together.
- Haemophilus Influenza Type B (Hib) is an illness that affects children under the age of 5 years, and death from Hib disease is common in children under the age of 1.
- Hepatitis B: It is an infection of the liver that can cause liver damage, liver cancer and death later in life.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Swelling, redness and pain at the site where the injection is given.
- Fever for a short time after immunization.
- Symptoms usually appear the day after vaccination and last between 1-3 days.
14 Weeks
14 Weeks
DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV (3)
- This is the third dose of DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV. The first dose is given at 6 weeks old. The second dose is given at 10 weeks old and the last dose at 18 months old.
- Administered via injection in left thigh
- This is a six in one vaccine. It offers protection against Diphtheria. Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) and Haemophilus Influenzae Type B and Hepatitis B
- Diphtheria is a dangerous bacterial disease which makes it difficult to breathe. Children who survive diphtheria disease suffer permanent damage such as blindness, deafness and brain damage.
- Tetanus (lockjaw) occurs when a toxin produced by a tetanus germ from the soil enters a cut or wound. The toxin can cause muscle spasms, breathing and heart problems, and death. The chances of dying from this condition are very high.
- Pertussis (whooping cough) starts with a headache, fever and cough. The heavy coughing bouts make it hard for a child to eat, drink or even breathe.
- Polio is a highly infectious disease that invades the nervous system and can lead to total paralysis. The virus primarily affects children 5 years and below.
- Inactivated Polio Vaccine is an injectable vaccine that provides protection in the blood . The IPV and OPV evoke different immune responses. To help eradicate polio, and get the benefits of both, they should be used together.
- Haemophilus Influenza Type B (Hib) is an illness that affects children under the age of 5 years, and death from Hib disease is common in children under the age of 1.
- Hepatitis B: It is an infection of the liver that can cause liver damage, liver cancer and death later in life.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Swelling, redness and pain at the site where the injection is given.
- Fever, for a short time after immunization.
- Symptoms usually appear the day after vaccination and last between 1-3 days.
Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV) - 2
- This is the last dose of RVV
- It is administered as liquid by mouth
- This vaccine offers protection against rotaviruses which are the most common cause of severe diarrhoeal disease in infants and young children.
- Side effects are rare and mild, but may include fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and irritation
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) - 2
- The second dose of the PCV given at 14 weeks old. The last dose is taken at 9 months
- Administered via injection in the right thigh
- This vaccine offers protection against meningitis, septicemia and pneumonia as well as to milder infections such as sinusitis and otitis media.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain or tenderness
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Fussiness (irritability)
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Chills
6 Months
6 Months
Measles Vaccine (1)
- The first dose of two measles vaccine doses is given at 6 months, and the second dose at 12 months.
- It is administered via injection in the left thigh
- This vaccine protects against becoming infected with measles, a virus which causes high fever and a rash and can lead to diarrhoea and dehydration, deafness, eye complications, pneumonia, brain damage and even death.
- The measles vaccine used in routine immunization cannot be given with any other vaccine. But, for children older than 9 months, the measles vaccine used in the 2023 Measles vaccination campaign can safely be given at the same time as other vaccines.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Pain at the injection site
- Fever between 7 and 12 days following the vaccination,
- Rash between 7 and 10 days following vaccination.
9 Months
9 Months
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) - 3
- This is the last of three doses of the PCV. The first dose is given when your child is 6 weeks old, and the second dose at 14 weeks old.
- Administered via injection in the right thigh
- This vaccine offers protection against meningitis, septicemia, and pneumonia as well as to milder infections such as sinusitis and otitis media.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain or tenderness
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Fussiness (irritability)
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Chills
12 Months
12 Months
Measles Vaccine (2)
- This is the second of two measles vaccine doses. The first is given at six months.
- It is administered via injection in right arm
- This vaccine protects against becoming infected with measles, a virus which causes high fever and a rash and can lead to diarrhoea and dehydration, deafness, eye complications, pneumonia, brain damage and even death.
- The measles vaccine used in routine immunization cannot be given with any other vaccine. But, for children older than 9 months, the measles vaccine used in the 2023 Measles vaccination campaign can safely be given at the same time as other vaccines.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Pain at the injection site
- Fever between 7 and 12 days following the vaccination
- Rash between 7 and 10 days following vaccination
18 Months
18 Months
DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV (4)
- This is the fourth dose of DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV. The first dose is given at 6 weeks old. The second dose is given at 10 weeks old and the third dose at 14 weeks old.
- It is administered via injection in left arm.
- This is a six in one vaccine. It offers protection against Diphtheria. Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) and Haemophilus Influenzae Type B and Hepatitis B
- Diphtheria is a dangerous bacterial disease which makes it difficult to breathe. Children who survive diphtheria disease suffer permanent damage such as blindness, deafness and brain damage.
- Tetanus (lockjaw) occurs when a toxin produced by a tetanus germ from the soil enters a cut or wound. The toxin can cause muscle spasms, breathing and heart problems, and death. The chances of dying from this condition are very high.
- Pertussis (whooping cough) starts with a headache, fever and cough. The heavy coughing bouts make it hard for a child to eat, drink or even breathe.
- Polio is a highly infectious disease that invades the nervous system and can lead to total paralysis. The virus primarily affects children 5 years and below.
- Inactivated Polio Vaccine is an injectable vaccine that provides protection in the blood . The IPV and OPV evoke different immune responses. To help eradicate polio, and get the benefits of both, they should be used together.
- Haemophilus Influenza Type B (Hib) is an illness that affects children under the age of 5 years, and death from Hib disease is common in children under the age of 1.
- Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver that can cause liver damage, liver cancer and death later in life.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Swelling, redness and pain may occur at the site where the injection is given.
- Fever for a short time after immunization.
- Symptoms usually appear the day after vaccination and last between 1-3 days.
6 Years
6 Years
Td Vaccine (1) - Tetanus and reduced strength of Diphtheria Vaccine booster
- The first dose of two Td booster doses. The second dose is given at 12 years old
- Administered via injection in the left arm
- This vaccine offers additional protection against Tetanus and Diphtheria because immunity to these diseases decreases with time.
- Diphtheria is a dangerous bacterial disease which makes it difficult to breathe. Children who survive diphtheria disease suffer permanent damage such as blindness, deafness and brain damage.
- Tetanus (lockjaw) occurs when a toxin produced by a tetanus germ from the soil enters a cut or wound. The toxin can cause muscle spasms, breathing and heart problems, and death. The chances of dying from this condition are very high.
- Common mild side effects of this vaccine include:
- Pain
- Swelling, redness at the site where the injection is given.
- Irritability, low grade fever, tiredness or mild vomiting
9 Years
9 Years
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine (1&2)
- Delivered in 2 doses (6 months apart)
- Administered via injection
- The vaccine provides protection against the Human Papilloma Virus which can cause cervical cancer.
-
Possible side effects include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling in the arm where the shot was given.
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache or feeling tired
- Muscle or joint pain.
- The HPV vaccine is given as part of the school health programme in Government schools rather than the expanded program of immunization and is available to Grade 5 girls, 9 years and older. For more information, contact your health care provider or child’s school and visit our HPV page.
12 Years
12 Years
Td Vaccine (2) - Tetanus and reduced strength of Diphtheria Vaccine booster
- This is the second of 2 Td booster doses. The first is given at six years old
- Administered via injection in the left arm
- This vaccine offers additional protection against Tetanus and Diphtheria because immunity to these diseases decreases with time.
- Diphtheria is a dangerous bacterial disease which makes it difficult to breathe. Children who survive diphtheria disease suffer permanent damage such as blindness, deafness and brain damage.
- Tetanus (lockjaw) occurs when a toxin produced by a tetanus germ from the soil enters a cut or wound. The toxin can cause muscle spasms, breathing and heart problems, and death. The chances of dying from this condition are very high.
- Common mild side effects of this vaccine include:
- Pain
- Swelling, redness at the site where the injection is given.
- Irritability, low grade fever, tiredness or mild vomiting
COVID-19
- The COVID-19 vaccine is administered as either a single dose (Johnson & Johnson) or a double dose (Pfizer) with recommended follow-up booster doses. Visit https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/ to register and https://sacoronavirus.co.za/ for the latest COVID-19 information.
- Administered via injection.
- The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and provide the best protection against serious illness and death.
- Potential side effects of this vaccine include:
- Arm soreness at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle or joint aches
- Chills
- Diarrhoea
You can manage any side effects with rest, staying hydrated and taking medication to manage pain and fever, if needed.
For more information, download the NICD Vaccine Booklet [PDF]
For any immediate health concerns, please reach out to your local doctor or the health centre in your community.
Last updated: 21 February 2023
