Sharp drop in measles vaccinations leaves South Africa vulnerable
17 September 2026
For Immediate Release
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, wants to raise awareness among its more than 80 000 members that South Africa is in the midst of a measles outbreak, according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).
Dr. Nishi Prabdial‑Singh, Principal Medical Scientist at the NICD, sat down with MISAtv to speak about the scale of the outbreak that can be linked to the alarming decline in vaccination coverage.
South Africa’s measles vaccination coverage, once above 80%, has dropped to about 67%. To achieve herd immunity and protect communities, coverage must exceed 90%. Without it, measles can spread quickly, placing children and vulnerable groups at risk. Herd immunity protects individuals and helps stop the virus from spreading, including to those who cannot be vaccinated.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, dehydration and brain inflammation. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes and a rash that typically appears after three days. Children aged one to fourteen are the most vulnerable, representing the majority of confirmed cases due to missed doses and immunity gaps.
Prabdial‑Singh debunked one of the most persistent myths. “There was a myth that the measles vaccine causes autism, but this was refuted in 1998. The measles vaccine has been around for over 60 years and it is effective.” She emphasised that vaccination is not just a personal choice but a responsibility to protect families, schools and communities.
Many MISA members are frontline workers, and vaccination helps keep them and others safe. The union is calling on all parents to ensure their children’s immunisation cards are up to date and that both doses of the measles vaccine are completed. Vaccinations are free at clinics, and schools require proof of immunisation to safeguard learners and staff.
According to Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, workers cannot afford the human and financial cost of preventable disease. Vaccination protects our children, our families, and our workplaces. MISA urges every member to play their part in restoring herd immunity and ending this outbreak.
Vaccination is the lifeline that must not be neglected. MISAtv will continue to raise awareness to help make our workplaces and communities safer.
The link to the latest MISAtv interview is below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-fCpbdXOuE
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager: MISA Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union. For media enquiries, contact Phakamile Hlubi-Majola on 083 367 6417 or email [email protected].
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