Childhood Vaccines in South Africa: Myths vs. Facts Every Parent Needs to Know
- Samantha Pieterse
- Apr 10
- 11 min read
Parenting in South Africa comes with enough worries. Loadshedding, rising costs, school decisions, and vaccine misinformation are thrown into the mix. It's no wonder some parents feel overwhelmed. So, let’s clear the air.
Vaccines save lives not just “in theory” but in real-world homes, schools, and clinics across South Africa daily. Still, myths and half-truths about vaccines linger, especially online. This post is your safe, judgment-free zone where we unpack what’s true, what’s not, and why immunization matters.
Vaccine Safety: What South African Parents Deserve to Know
One of parents' most common fears, especially new ones, is whether vaccines are safe. It’s a valid question. After all, we’re talking about injecting something into our babies' tiny bodies. So, let’s break it down with facts, not fear.
Vaccines Go Through Years of Rigorous Testing
Vaccines aren’t rushed onto the market. Before a vaccine is given to the public (let alone to babies), it goes through a process that can take 10 to 15 years, including:
Preclinical testing (in the lab and on animals)
Three phases of human clinical trials involving thousands of people
Post-marketing surveillance to catch any rare issues after the rollout
Each phase is designed to answer very specific questions: Is it safe? What dose works best? Are there any side effects? And how does it perform across different ages, ethnicities, and health conditions?
Strict regulatory bodies around the world review these trials.
In South Africa: SAHPRA Leads the Way on Vaccine Safety
In South Africa, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) reviews all vaccines before they can be used in the national Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI).
SAHPRA looks at:
Safety data from global trials
Local clinical trial data (when available)
Manufacturing standards
Cold chain requirements (very important in SA’s varied climate)
Ongoing monitoring after approval
This means that vaccines like Hexaxim, MMR, PCV, and BCG are globally tested and locally reviewed for safety, quality, and efficacy before landing at any clinic.
SAHPRA also works closely with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the Department of Health to monitor any adverse events once a vaccine is used.
Global Consensus on Vaccine Safety: The Benefits Outweigh the Risks
Across decades and billions of doses, vaccine safety has been studied more than almost any other medical intervention.
Here’s what the World Health Organization (WHO) says:
"Vaccines are very safe. Most vaccine reactions are minor and temporary, such as a sore arm or mild fever. Serious health events are extremely rare."
Here’s what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says:
“Vaccines undergo more rigorous testing than any other pharmaceutical product.”
Real-World Vaccine Safety Data: The Numbers Speak
A 2021 meta-analysis published in The Lancet (a medical journal) found that the risk of serious vaccine side effects (anaphylaxis, seizures, etc.) is less than 1 per million doses for most childhood vaccines.
The global vaccine safety system has improved dramatically since the early 2000s, with the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) actively reviewing any concerns.
In SA, adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) are tracked and reported by both public clinics and private providers. These reports are carefully reviewed and, if needed, investigated.
But What About the Scary Vaccine Stories?
No medical intervention is 100% risk-free, but vaccines are among the safest tools in modern medicine.
For example:
Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) occurs in about 1 in a million vaccine doses and can be treated immediately if recognized.
Febrile seizures, often triggered by fever (whether from a cold or a vaccine), can be frightening, but they’re usually harmless and don’t lead to epilepsy or developmental problems.
Injection-site reactions like redness, swelling, or a mild fever are normal signs that the body’s immune system is responding.
What’s far riskier? The actual diseases vaccines prevent. Measles can cause brain swelling and death. Whooping cough kills newborns. Meningitis can leave a child deaf or disabled. The stakes are real.
So, Are Vaccines Safe for My Children
Vaccines are not just safe. They are life-saving, evidence-based, and monitored closely in South Africa.
As a parent, it’s okay to have questions. But trust that every vaccine in your clinic fridge has passed layers of global and local safety checks, so your child doesn’t have to face diseases we can prevent.
👉 Ready to protect your child? Book their next vaccine visit at Mums & Bums. It’s fast and life-saving.
📍 Use the Road to Health Booklet or ask us how you can catch up.
Do Vaccines Cause Autism? (Spoiler: No, and Here's Why)
This is one of the most persistent and harmful vaccine myths out there. Despite decades of research disproving it, the rumour that vaccines, especially the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, cause autism still circulates online and in mom WhatsApp groups. So, let’s break it down properly.
Where Did the Autism-Vaccine Myth Come From?
In 1998, a now-discredited study by Andrew Wakefield was published in The Lancet. It claimed a link between the MMR vaccine and the onset of autism in a small group of children. That paper only involved 12 children, an incredibly small sample, and it didn’t follow the proper scientific method. Worse, it turned out Wakefield had multiple undeclared conflicts of interest, including being paid by lawyers who were suing vaccine manufacturers.
In 2010, The Lancet fully retracted the study, and Wakefield was struck off the UK medical register for serious professional misconduct, including falsifying data. Yet, despite the retraction and disgrace, the damage was done, and misinformation spread like wildfire.
What Does the Science About The Vaccine-Autism Link Today?
Since that original study, dozens of high-quality, large-scale studies have been conducted worldwide. All of them reach the same conclusion: there is no link between vaccines and autism.
Some of the Most Significant Vaccine-Autism Studies Include:
Denmark (2019): One of the most extensive studies to date, following over 657,000 children. It found no increased risk of autism among those who received the MMR vaccine compared to those who didn’t.
Finland (2002): A population-based study reviewing data from nearly 535,000 children who received MMR found no link between vaccination and autism or any other neurological disorder.
USA (2004): The Institute of Medicine (IOM) reviewed all available evidence and concluded that vaccines do not cause autism. Their review included multiple vaccine types, not just MMR.
Japan (2005): After Japan stopped using the MMR vaccine in 1993, autism rates continued to rise, clearly disproving any connection between MMR and autism.
So What Actually Causes Autism Then?
The truth is that autism is complex, and we’re still learning about all the contributing factors. What we do know is:
Autism has strong genetic components (genes do not change after birth but fully form in the early stages of pregnancy)
There are hundreds of genes now linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Environmental factors may influence risk, but vaccines are not one of them
The global scientific consensus is clear: vaccines do not cause autism. This is not controversial in the scientific or medical world. It’s accepted, proven, and settled science.
What About Autism in South African Children?
South Africa follows a routine immunisation schedule through the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), which includes the MMR vaccine at 6 and 12 months. Since these vaccines are administered around the same time that some children show early signs of autism (12–24 months), the timing alone can create a false impression of causation, but it’s just that: a coincidence, not a cause.
It’s natural for parents to look for answers when something changes in their child. But blaming vaccines distracts from the real science and can lead to delayed diagnoses, lost trust, and outbreaks of preventable diseases.
Let’s Stop the Blame Game In Vaccines and Autism
Vaccines don’t cause autism. That’s not just opinion. It’s backed by decades of research involving millions of children across multiple continents.
Instead of fearing vaccines, let's focus our energy on supporting autistic children, advancing inclusive education, and demanding earlier screening and intervention. Every child deserves understanding and protection from preventable diseases.
💬 Still feeling unsure? That’s okay. Give us a call, and we’ll walk you through the facts without pressure.
📱 You can also download the SA immunisation schedule to see exactly what’s recommended and when.
Other Common Vaccine Myths (And the Truth Behind Them)
If you’ve ever gone down a late-night Google rabbit hole or sat next to a nervous parent at a clinic, you’ve probably heard at least one of these. So, let’s talk through them with honesty, evidence, and zero judgment.
Myth 1: “Too many vaccines at once will overload my baby’s immune system.”
The truth: Your baby’s immune system is incredible. From birth, babies are exposed to thousands of bacteria and viruses daily, from the air, their clothes, the dog, and their auntie's kisses. Vaccines contain tiny, carefully chosen pieces of these germs to help the immune system learn and remember.
In fact, modern vaccines are more refined than ever. According to the CDC, even if a child receives all recommended vaccines at once, it will only take a small fraction of the immune system’s capacity.
Myth 2: “Natural infection is better than a vaccine.”
The truth: Natural infection can produce immunity, but often at a huge cost. For example:
Natural measles infection can lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation, and death.
Natural chickenpox can cause scarring, shingles later in life, and secondary infections.
Natural whooping cough can be deadly in infants, especially those under 6 months.
Vaccines offer safe, controlled exposure without the risk of serious complications. So yes, you build immunity either way, but one path comes with a lot less suffering.
Myth 3: “Vaccines contain dangerous toxins like mercury and aluminum.”
The truth: This one sounds scary but is often misunderstood. Here’s a breakdown:
Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, was removed from most childhood vaccines more than a decade ago, even though no evidence ever linked it to harm in children.
Some vaccines use aluminium salts to help the immune system respond better. Babies get more aluminum from breast milk or formula daily than from a vaccine dose.
These ingredients are used in tiny amounts, well below safety limits, and are cleared from the body quickly.
Myth 4: “If everyone else is vaccinated, I don’t need to vaccinate my child.”
The truth: That’s like saying you don’t need to stop at a red robot because everyone else will. Herd immunity only works when enough people participate. If too many opt out, we lose the community protection, and outbreaks happen. That’s exactly what we’ve recently seen with measles in parts of South Africa.
Also, your child won’t always be surrounded by vaccinated people. Travel, school, and public spaces all carry risks.
Myth 5: “Vaccine-preventable diseases aren’t serious anymore.”
The truth: They aren’t common anymore because of vaccines. But when coverage drops, they come roaring back.
For example:
We’re not “past” these diseases. They’re just waiting for an opportunity.
It’s okay to have questions. It’s good to ask. But let’s ask the right sources: our doctors, nurses, and the global health community. Vaccines are not perfect, but they’re pretty close to a miracle regarding what they’ve done for child health, especially here in South Africa.
Do Childhood Vaccines Have Side Effects?
Yes, but they’re mostly mild and short-lived. Common side effects include:
Fever
Fussiness
Redness or swelling at the injection site
Less common reactions? While scary, febrile seizures or allergic reactions are still rare and almost always treatable, far rarer than the diseases these vaccines protect against.
For perspective, Measles can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. A vaccine side effect might mean a grumpy baby and a cuddle-filled day at home.
Why Vaccine Herd Immunity Protects Everyone (Even Your Baby Cousin)
Vaccines don't just protect the child who gets the jab. They protect the whole community. That’s where herd immunity (also called community immunity) comes in. It’s a powerful concept, and once you understand how it works, it makes perfect sense why your baby’s vaccines matter even beyond your front door.
Some Children Can’t Be Vaccinated, And They Rely on Us
Here’s the reality: not every child can safely receive every vaccine. Some children:
Are too young, like newborns who haven’t yet had their first measles or pertussis vaccines
Have weakened immune systems due to cancer treatments, HIV, or other chronic illnesses
Have rare allergies or medical conditions that make certain vaccines unsafe for them
These children are highly vulnerable to infections that others can easily avoid. But if enough people around them are vaccinated, the disease simply can't spread. This protective shield is what we call herd immunity.
How Herd Immunity Works (Without the Science Degree)
Think of a virus like a match in a dry forest. If most of the “trees” (people) are immune because they've been vaccinated, the fire (disease) can’t catch on. It fizzles out before it spreads.
But if vaccine coverage drops, even by a few percent, the “fire” finds a dry patch and can spread fast, especially in crowded places like:
Crèches
Schools
Taxis or buses
Clinics
Different diseases require different levels of coverage to achieve herd immunity. For example:
Measles is extremely contagious and needs about 95% vaccine coverage to prevent outbreaks.
Polio can resurge if coverage dips below 80%, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
What Happens When Vaccine Rates Drop?
When herd immunity breaks down, outbreaks follow, and South Africa has seen this firsthand.
In 2023, South Africa reported over 900 confirmed measles cases in various provinces, including Gauteng, Limpopo, and the Western Cape. The primary cause was low vaccine coverage in affected communities.
Some clinics reported children missing their second MMR dose entirely or not receiving it on time. This is not because parents don’t care; it’s often due to access issues, vaccine hesitancy, or misinformation.
But these gaps in coverage give viruses a chance to creep back in, and measles isn’t just “a rash.” It can cause:
Brain swelling (encephalitis)
Pneumonia
Death, especially in young children and those who are malnourished
Why Vaccines Matter in South Africa
We live in a country with high population movement, urban-rural disparities, and ongoing challenges in healthcare access. That makes maintaining strong herd immunity even more important.
An outbreak can move quickly in informal settlements or rural clinics. But if most kids are vaccinated, diseases struggle to spread, even in high-risk settings.
Protect More Than Just Your Own Child
Getting your child vaccinated is a powerful act of community care. It says:
“I want to protect my baby.”
“I want to protect my neighbour’s baby.”
“I want to protect the little one with leukemia who can’t get their jabs right now.”
That’s what public health is all about: looking out for one another, not just ourselves.
The Consensus on Herd Immunity
Herd immunity only works if enough people participate. The stakes are highest for the children who can’t speak up or stand in the vaccine queue themselves.
So yes, that trip to the clinic may feel inconvenient, especially when your baby’s teething or the queues are long. But it’s one of the kindest, most powerful things we can do for our own children and every other child they might brush past at the shops.
🌍 Every vaccine protects more than one child. To help keep your crèche, school, and family safe, make sure your child’s vaccines are up to date.
📅 Missed a dose? It’s never too late to catch up. Book a visit today.
Immunisations in South Africa: What’s the Schedule?
The Expanded Program of Immunisation (EPI) in South Africa includes vaccines that protect against:
Polio
Measles
Whooping cough
Hepatitis B
TB (BCG vaccine) …and more
Staying on schedule means protecting your child from the earliest, most vulnerable days.
🗓️ Pro tip: Use the Road to Health Booklet or our clinic's WhatsApp reminder system to track vaccines.
I’m Still Nervous About Vaccines. Is That Okay?
Totally. Being a parent means asking questions. That’s how we keep our little humans safe. But make sure you're asking the right sources.
Trust your healthcare provider. Ask about risks, ask about ingredients, and ask about alternatives. You deserve answers. Just don’t trust TikTok over years of peer-reviewed research.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let The Fear of Vaccines Win
The real enemy isn’t the needle. It’s misinformation, a preventable disease. And sometimes, it’s silence because we’re too scared to speak up or ask for the facts.
Vaccines aren’t perfect, but they are one of the best tools we have to protect our kids and each other. Let’s not lose sight of that.
❤️ Vaccines are one of the best things we can do for our kids’ health. Book their next appointment, ask us your questions, and share what you’ve learned today because every jab is a step toward a healthier South Africa.
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