Everything you need to know about your baby’s 12 month vaccinations

Let’s talk about measles

At 12 months, it is important for babies to be vaccinated against measles. Measles is a virus which spreads via the droplets or airborne emissions (coughs, breaths, sneezes) of infected people. It is incredibly contagious as it remains infectious in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area. Measles can cause brain damage and may even be fatal.

If you are following the government vaccination schedule, your baby will receive the MeasBio vaccine at 12 months to protect them from measles. 

The private vaccination schedule at 12 months allows for vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), as well as Hepatitis A. Both vaccines are readily available at Clicks Clinics, but it’s important to remember that you will require a doctor’s prescription for the Hepatitis A vaccine, as it is a schedule 4 medication. Hepatitis A is spread by contact with infected people or consumption of contaminated food or water. In extreme cases, it can cause liver failure and death.

The importance of keeping up to date with your child’s vaccinations

According to Clicks Clinic Nurse Practitioner Thabi Seleho, it is vital to keep your child up to date with their vaccinations. “Many parents have been scared by stories that they read on social media, but the truth is that the vaccination schedule for babies in South Africa is perfectly safe - and essential to keep your child healthy. Due to children not being vaccinated, we are seeing an alarming rise in illnesses like measles, whooping cough and diphtheria, which had become very rare, thanks to vaccination,” she says.

It's also important to keep in mind that many schools require children to be vaccinated in order for them to be accepted at the school. International travel also requires vaccination against certain illnesses, depending on the country concerned.

Making the experience as painless as possible

While it can seem a bit nerve-wracking to take your baby for their vaccinations, the actual vaccination part is over very quickly. “I always try to deal with all the paperwork and admin beforehand. Then I can vaccinate the child and immediately give them back to their parent and they can go straight home. We really want to make the whole experience as painless as possible for you and your baby,” says Sister Thabi.

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