Some experts using World Immunisation Week to encourage vaccinations

CAPE TOWN - This week has been observed globally as Immunisation Week, a world initiative to promote vaccinations around the world.

Some experts are using this time to encourage immunisation by educating people about how many diseases can cause irreversible damage to the body and cognitive thinking.

Diphtheria is one of those, which is a contagious bacterial infection, typically causing a sore throat and fever.

With a 40% mortality rate, South Africa has recorded 40 cases of the infection between January 2024 and January 2025, with vaccines available.

Dr Kerrigan McCarthy, a pathologist at the Centre for Vaccines, said that without vaccines, some diseases can have lifelong implications.

"Vaccines are good for two reasons - they're important for the individual, the person who gets the vaccine and they're important for the community. They're important for us as individuals. Why? Because they protect us from certain diseases that have really horrible consequences."

She added that vaccines do not protect just one person but communities.

"So, we really want to vaccinate to protect the people around us in our household and in our community and this is why vaccines are important."