Your Baby’s Vaccines: The South African Schedule & What Each Jab Does
- Samantha Pieterse
- 6 days ago
- 15 min read
Your Baby’s Vaccines Explained by a Nurse
The first two years of your baby’s life are a time of incredible growth, not just in size and milestones, but in how their immune system learns to protect them. This is when your child is most vulnerable to illnesses like measles, whooping cough, and polio, which can be serious or even life-threatening. The national baby vaccination schedule in South Africa is designed to give protection exactly when your little one needs it most.
At Mums & Bums Mother and Baby Clinic in Centurion, we take the time to explain every jab, so you know why it’s needed and what to expect afterwards. Our nurse-led care means you get accurate advice, gentle handling, and a safe, calm environment for both you and your baby.
We also help you stay on track, from the very first BCG injection to the final booster, because we know life with a baby or child is busy and it’s easy to miss a date. We’ll remind you when it’s time, answer your questions, and make each clinic visit as stress-free as possible.
💬 See our full baby vaccination services or book your appointment online today. It only takes a minute, and it’s one of the most important things you can do for your child’s health.
Why Baby Vaccines Are Important in South Africa
In South Africa, vaccines are a frontline defense against diseases that are still present in our communities. While some illnesses like polio are no longer common, others, such as measles, whooping cough, and tuberculosis, continue to cause outbreaks, especially where vaccination rates drop. Babies and young children are the most at risk of severe complications because their immune systems are still developing.
The national immunisation programme is designed to protect children before they’re exposed to these diseases. For example:
Measles can cause pneumonia, brain inflammation, and death, but the measles vaccine is over 90% effective after the full course.
Pertussis (whooping cough) can lead to dangerous breathing problems in infants, yet it is preventable through the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern in South Africa, which is why the BCG vaccine is given soon after birth.
High vaccination coverage doesn’t just protect your child, but it also helps shield vulnerable people in your community who can’t be vaccinated, such as newborns, the elderly, or those with certain medical conditions.
If you’ve ever wondered about vaccine safety, side effects, or whether “too many, too soon” is a concern, we’ve answered these and other common concerns in our Childhood Vaccines: Myths vs. Facts guide.
South African Baby and Childhood Vaccination Schedule at a Glance
Vaccine | What it Protects Against |
|---|
Birth
(Bacille Calmette-Guérin) | Severe forms of tuberculosis (TB) |
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) | Polio |
6 Weeks
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) | Polio |
Hexavalent (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB) | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis B |
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) | Pneumococcal disease (pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections) |
Rotavirus Vaccine (RV) | Severe diarrhoea caused by rotavirus |
10 Weeks
Hexavalent (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB) | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis B |
14 Weeks
Hexavalent (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB) | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis B |
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) | Pneumococcal disease (pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections) |
Rotavirus Vaccine (RV) | Severe diarrhoea caused by rotavirus |
6 Months
Measles/Measles-Rubella (Measles/MR) | Measles or measles and rubella (German measles) |
9 Months
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) | Pneumococcal disease (pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections) |
Meningococcal Vaccine (Private) | Meningococcal disease (meningitis, bloodstream infection) |
12 Months
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) | Measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles) |
Hepatitis A Vaccine (Private) | Hepatitis A |
15 Months
Chickenpox Vaccine (Private) | Chickenpox and shingles in adulthood |
Meningococcal Vaccine (Private) | Meningococcal disease (meningitis, bloodstream infection) |
18 Months
Hexavalent (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB) | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis B |
Hepatitis A Vaccine (Private) | Hepatitis A |
6 Years
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, and Polio (Tdap-IPV) | Tetanus and reduced amounts of diphtheria, acellular pertussis vaccine and inactivated polio |
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) | Measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles) |
Chickenpox Vaccine (Private) | Chickenpox and shingles in adulthood |
Between 9 and 14
(two doses 6 months apart)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) | Human papillomavirus (prevents cervical and other cancers) |
12 Years
Tetanus, Diphtheria (Tdap) | Tetanus, diphtheria |
Yearly
(Twice in the first year and yearly after that)
Flu Vaccine (3 or 4 strain) | Flu |
Our Centurion clinic offers both the standard vaccines and private clinic options, so your child gets the most complete protection possible.
What Each Baby and Childhood Vaccine Protects Against
Seeing the vaccination schedule laid out in a table is useful, but as a parent, it’s just as important to understand why each jab is given and the specific illnesses it helps prevent. Below, we’ve broken the schedule into age milestones so you can see exactly what’s being protected at each stage, how the vaccine works, and what to expect afterwards.
Birth Vaccines
BCG Vaccine: Protecting Against Severe Forms of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health concern in South Africa. While TB can affect the lungs, young children are most at risk for severe forms, such as TB meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord) and miliary TB (widespread infection in the body).
The BCG vaccine, given just days after birth, helps protect against these severe forms of TB. It won’t prevent all types of TB infection, but it’s highly effective at reducing life-threatening complications in infants and young children. You might notice a small red mark or scar developing at the injection site. This is normal and a sign the vaccine is working.
📖 If you want to learn more about BCG and the pimple, read our blog post on understanding the BCG Vaccine and the Pimple Reaction in Babies
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): First Step in Protecting Against Polio
Polio is a virus that can cause paralysis and, in severe cases, be life-threatening. Thanks to widespread vaccination, polio is now extremely rare in South Africa, but the risk isn’t gone entirely. The Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) given at birth is the first step in building your baby’s immunity.
This early dose is followed by additional injectable doses in the first year to ensure strong, long-lasting protection. The vaccine is given as drops in your baby’s mouth, making it quick and painless.
6 Weeks Vaccines
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): Strengthening Early Polio Protection
This follow-up dose builds on the immunity started at birth. While Polio is rare in South Africa today, the risk can return if vaccination rates drop or if the virus is brought in from elsewhere. This dose helps lock in protection at an early age. The vaccine is given as drops in the mouth and is quick and painless.
Hexavalent Vaccine: Six Protections in One Injection
This one injection covers six serious illnesses: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and hepatitis B. These diseases can cause anything from breathing difficulties to meningitis, paralysis, and liver damage. Using a combination vaccine means fewer needles and fewer clinic visits while still building strong immunity against each illness. Some babies may have mild fussiness or a slight fever afterward, which is a sign their immune system is responding well.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV): Guarding Against Pneumonia and Meningitis
PCV protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause life-threatening illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis, as well as painful ear infections. Babies and toddlers are most at risk for severe complications, so starting protection early is super important.
Rotavirus Vaccine (RV): Preventing Severe Diarrhoea in Babies
This oral vaccine protects against rotavirus, a leading cause of severe diarrhoea and dehydration in South African children under five. Rotavirus spreads easily through contaminated hands, toys, or surfaces, and symptoms can appear suddenly. By vaccinating early, you reduce the risk of hospitalisation and serious illness. The vaccine is given as a sweet-tasting liquid, and most babies tolerate it well without any side effects.
10 Weeks Vaccine
Hexavalent Vaccine: Boosting Protection with the Second Dose
The 10-week appointment is an important “booster” stage in your baby’s immune training. The hexavalent vaccine works best when given as a series of doses. The first shot at 6 weeks introduced your baby’s immune system to these germs in a safe way. This second dose strengthens that response, helping the body create stronger and longer-lasting protection.
Because your baby’s immune system is still learning, skipping or delaying this appointment can leave gaps in protection. Most babies handle the second dose well, and side effects, if any, are usually mild. This is also a good time to chat to us about any concerns from the first visit, so you feel confident moving forward with the schedule.
14 Weeks Vaccines: Final Primary Doses Before the First Big Gap
Hexavalent Vaccine: Completing the Primary Series
This third dose wraps up your baby’s primary protection against six serious diseases. By now, your baby’s immune system has had two earlier “lessons” at 6 and 10 weeks. This final primary shot solidifies that early defense so that we know your child has a strong foundation before moving on to the booster phase later in childhood. Missing this dose can weaken the protection built so far, so it’s important to keep the appointment on time.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV): Reinforcing Defence Against Pneumococcal Disease
The second dose of PCV gives your baby’s immune system another reminder to recognise and fight pneumococcal bacteria. A single early dose isn’t enough for lasting protection, and this follow-up strengthens the immune memory so it’s ready to act if your baby is exposed.
Rotavirus Vaccine (RV): Completing Early Gut Protection
This is the second and final oral dose for rotavirus in the standard schedule. Rotavirus spreads quickly, especially in settings where babies share play spaces, and can lead to rapid dehydration. Completing the whole series means your baby is protected through the most vulnerable early years when rotavirus infections can be the most severe.
6 Months Vaccines
Measles or Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine: Guarding Against Dangerous Childhood Viruses
The 6-month vaccine is your baby’s first direct protection against measles and, in some cases, rubella (German measles), if the combined MR vaccine is used.
Measles is far from harmless. It can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, and, in severe cases, death. South Africa still experiences periodic outbreaks, especially when vaccination coverage drops. Giving the first dose at 6 months offers early protection during a time when measles infection can be particularly dangerous for infants.
If your clinic uses the MR vaccine, your baby will also be protected against rubella, which is usually mild in children but dangerous if caught during pregnancy, as it can harm an unborn baby.
This is the start of a multi-dose schedule for measles protection, with follow-up doses at 12 months and 6 years.
📖 Related reading: Measles Outbreak in South Africa 2025: Symptoms, Vaccine Info & What Parents Must Know
9 Months Vaccines
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV): Final Dose for Long-Term Pneumococcal Protection
This is the last scheduled dose of PCV in the primary series. By now, your baby has had earlier doses at 6 and 14 weeks, each one building immune memory. The 9-month booster locks in that immunity, so protection lasts into the toddler years when exposure risks increase through daycare, playdates, and siblings.
Meningococcal Vaccine (Private): Added Protection Against Fast-Moving Meningitis
The meningococcal vaccine, available privately, helps protect against meningococcal disease. This rare but life-threatening infection can cause meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) or septicaemia (blood poisoning). These infections can progress rapidly, often within hours, so prevention is the safest approach. Vaccinating at 9 months ensures early coverage before your baby’s social world expands, reducing the risk of exposure in group settings.
12 Months Vaccines
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: Triple Protection in a Single Dose
At 12 months, your child receives their first MMR vaccine in the private schedule, which combines protection against three important illnesses:
Measles: highly contagious, can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, and long-term complications.
Mumps: causes swelling of the salivary glands, and in some cases can lead to hearing loss or fertility problems later in life.
Rubella (German measles): usually mild in children, but extremely dangerous if contracted during pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects.
The 12-month dose helps with stronger, broader protection as your child’s immune system matures, and sets the stage for follow-up doses later in childhood.
Hepatitis A Vaccine (Private): Shielding Against a Common Liver Infection
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and spreads through contaminated food, water, or hands. While many children recover fully, the illness can be severe and may result in hospitalisation. The vaccine offers long-lasting protection and is especially valuable in areas where outbreaks are more common. A second dose is given 6 months later for the best immunity.
15 Months Vaccines
Chickenpox Vaccine (Private): Starting Protection Against Varicella
At 15 months, your child can receive their first chickenpox (varicella) vaccine in the private schedule. While chickenpox is often mild, it can cause serious complications such as bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, or brain inflammation, especially in very young children. Vaccination also helps prevent shingles later in life, since shingles occurs when the same virus reactivates years after infection. A second dose will be given at 6 years for long-term immunity.
Meningococcal Vaccine (Private): Strengthening Immunity Against Meningitis
This booster dose reinforces the protection started at 9 months against meningococcal disease. Boosting immunity at this stage keeps protection strong during the toddler years, when group play, crèche attendance, and exposure to other children increase the risk of contact with the bacteria.
18 Months Vaccines: Boosters for Lasting Protection
Hexavalent Vaccine: Boosting Protection for Six Serious Diseases
The 18-month hexavalent booster strengthens the immunity your child built from the earlier doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks. By this age, protection can begin to fade, so this extra dose helps your child stay fully covered. This appointment is an important checkpoint to keep your child on track with the national immunisation programme and maintain strong defences through the preschool years.
Hepatitis A Vaccine (Private): Completing the Two-Dose Series
If your child received their first hepatitis A vaccine at 12 months in the private schedule, this dose completes the series. Hepatitis A is a liver infection, and while children often recover fully, the illness can be severe. Completing both doses means that your child will have long-lasting immunity, providing protection well into adulthood.
6 Years Vaccines: School-Age Boosters
Tdap-IPV: Boosting Protection Against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Polio
The 6-year Tdap-IPV booster tops up your child’s immunity against four serious illnesses before they enter the school years: tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and polio. By now, it’s been several years since their last dose, so this booster will mean strong, lasting protection well into late childhood. It’s especially important for pertussis, which can still spread in school settings and cause severe illness in younger siblings or vulnerable family members.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: Reinforcing Triple Protection
This dose strengthens immunity from the earlier measles and MMR vaccines. Measles remains one of the most contagious viruses worldwide, mumps can cause serious complications, and rubella can be dangerous for pregnant women and unborn babies. A top-up helps maintain high immunity levels across the school years and reduces the risk of outbreaks in classrooms.
Chickenpox Vaccine (Private): Second Dose for Long-Term Protection
If your child had their first chickenpox vaccine at 15 months, this second dose completes the series. The extra dose boosts protection against chickenpox itself and further reduces the risk of shingles later in life. With more school activities and close contact with other children, full protection helps prevent both illness and missed school days.
9–14 Years Vaccine: HPV Vaccination for Long-Term Cancer Prevention
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Protecting Against HPV-Related Cancers
The HPV vaccine protects against certain strains of the human papillomavirus, the leading cause of cervical cancer in women. HPV can also cause cancers of the throat, anus, and genitals in both men and women, as well as genital warts.
In South Africa’s school programme, the HPV vaccine is offered to girls in this age group, but at our clinic, we also recommend and provide it to boys. Vaccinating boys helps protect them from HPV-related diseases and reduces the chance of passing the virus to future partners.
The schedule for this age group is two doses given 6 months apart. Having both doses is important for long-lasting immunity. Vaccinating at this age works best because the immune system responds strongly while there is still a low chance of exposure to the virus.
12 Years Vaccines
Tetanus and Diphtheria Booster: Maintaining Immunity into the Teen Years
At 12 years, your child receives a Tdap booster to refresh protection against tetanus and diphtheria. By this stage, immunity may have begun to fade.
Tetanus is caused by bacteria found in soil and can enter the body through even minor cuts or scrapes. It produces a toxin that affects the nerves and muscles and can be life-threatening without treatment.
Diphtheria is a bacterial throat infection that can block airways and damage the heart and nervous system.
Boosting immunity now means that your child will be protected into early adulthood. This vaccine is also an important step in keeping community immunity high, reducing the risk of disease spread.
Yearly Vaccine: Seasonal Flu Vaccine for Added Protection
Flu Vaccine: Reducing the Risk of Severe Influenza
The flu vaccine protects against the most common influenza strains expected to circulate in a given year. It's usually given in a 3-strain (trivalent) or 4-strain (quadrivalent) formula.
For children under 9 receiving the flu vaccine for the first time, two doses are recommended in the first year, given about a month apart. After that, a single yearly dose is enough to maintain protection.
Influenza can cause high fevers, body aches, and serious complications like pneumonia, especially in children under five or those with chronic conditions such as asthma. Getting the flu shot each year reduces the risk of illness, hospitalisation, and spreading flu to more vulnerable family members. Because flu viruses change slightly from year to year, annual vaccination is the best way to keep immunity up to date.
What to Expect at a Baby or Child Vaccination Visit
Knowing what will happen at each vaccination visit can help you keep your baby calm. Whether it’s their (and your) first jab or a school-age booster, most appointments follow a similar structure.
How Long Vaccination Appointments Usually Take
Most baby vaccination visits take about 15–30 minutes. This allows time for:
Checking your baby’s Road to Health booklet and updating their records.
A quick health check to ensure your baby is well enough for their vaccines.
Explaining which vaccines are being given and answering your questions.
Giving the vaccines.
A short observation period afterwards to make sure there’s no immediate reaction.
At our Centurion clinic, we work efficiently but never rush. We want every parent to leave feeling reassured.
Common Mild Side Effects After a Vaccine (and Why They’re Normal)
It’s common for babies and children to have mild side effects after vaccination, like:
Slight redness, swelling, or tenderness where the injection was given.
A mild fever (usually under 38.5°C).
Temporary fussiness, tiredness, or reduced appetite.
In the case of oral vaccines, mild loose stools.
Severe reactions are extremely rare. If you notice anything unusual, such as difficulty breathing, persistent crying, or a high fever that doesn’t respond to medication, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
At our clinic in Centurion, we make every vaccination appointment as calm, gentle, and informative as possible, so you leave knowing your child is well protected.
How to Prepare Your Baby for Vaccinations in South Africa
A little preparation can make vaccination day smoother for you and more comfortable for your baby. Here’s a practical checklist to follow before your appointment at Mums & Bums Centurion.
✅ Bring Your Baby’s Road to Health Booklet/Vaccine Card
This booklet is super important for tracking your child’s vaccine history and making sure nothing is missed. We’ll also update it during each appointment.
✅ Dress Baby in Easy Clothing
Choose clothes that are simple to remove or adjust. Vaccines are usually given in the thigh for younger babies or the upper arm for older children.
✅ Feed Baby Before You Arrive
A full tummy can help keep your baby settled during the appointment. For breastfed babies, you can even feed during the injection for comfort. If your baby tends to spit up easily, give a feed a little while before you leave rather than just before the jab.
✅ Bring Comfort Items
Bring along a dummy, blanket, or favourite soft toy. Familiar smells and textures can help soothe your baby during and after the injection.
✅ Discuss Pain Relief if Needed
Most babies don’t need medication after vaccines, but if your baby has previously experienced discomfort or fever, ask your nurse about appropriate pain or fever relief. Only give paracetamol or ibuprofen if advised for your baby’s age and weight.
✅ Explain, Don’t Surprise
For toddlers, explain in simple terms what will happen, and reassure them that it will be quick.
✅ Hold Your Baby During the Injection
Skin-to-skin contact or a cuddle can reduce crying.
🚫 What Not to Do
Don’t skip a vaccine because of a mild cold, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Babies can safely have vaccines if they have a minor illness with no fever.
Don’t give pain medication before the appointment. It can mask symptoms and isn’t needed in advance.
We’ll guide you through every step, from preparation to aftercare, so you can feel confident your little one is well protected.
Missed a Baby Vaccination?
Life with a baby is busy, and sometimes appointments get missed. Luckily, you don’t need to restart the whole vaccine series. We’ll create a catch-up schedule so your child receives the missed doses as soon as possible, while keeping the correct spacing between vaccines for safety.
The most important thing is not to delay. Even one missed vaccine leaves a gap in your child’s protection, so booking the next available appointment is always the best move.
To avoid delays, try these tips for keeping your baby’s vaccination schedule on track in South Africa:
Book the next visit before leaving the clinic so it’s in your calendar.
Set phone reminders for a week before and the day before each appointment.
Keep your Road to Health booklet or vaccine card updated and stored somewhere visible.
If you’re unsure when your child’s next dose is due, contact us and we’ll check their record for you.
We’ll get your child back on schedule quickly and safely.
Mums & Bums Centurion: Protecting Your Baby, One Jab at a Time
Every vaccine is a small step that adds up to a big shield of protection for your child. By keeping up with the South African vaccination schedule, you’re not only guarding your baby against serious illnesses but also helping protect the wider community, especially newborns, the elderly, and those who can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons.
We make each visit as comfortable as possible for you and your little one. From the very first jab to school-age boosters, we’re here to guide you through each stage.
💬 See our full baby vaccination services or book online today.
These simple steps give your child the healthiest start in life.
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