The Importance of Vaccines—Protection for All Ages

The Importance of Vaccines—Protection for All Ages

Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from serious illnesses. Children who are not immunised increase the risk of contracting and spreading diseases such as measles, polio, and diphtheria. The Department of Health and World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend following the national immunisation schedule to ensure full protection for children and adults 

Comparative Overview of Medical Aid Providers

ProviderPlan NameVaccine CoverageImmunisation CampaignsReimbursement Process
DiscoveryDiscovery Classic Saver hospital coverChildhood, flu, HPVAnnual flu campaignsOnline claim submission
BonitasBonitas BonComprehensive hospital planChildhood, adult, travelWellness remindersPharmacy or GP claims
MomentumMomentum Extender savings planChildhood, flu, travelFlu, COVID-19 alertsApp-based claims
MedihelpMedihelp MedAdd savings planChildhood, fluWellness newslettersGP or pharmacy claims

Compare medical aid vaccine cover for your family’s needs. 

Key Vaccines Covered

Childhood Immunisations 

  • South Africa’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation covers vaccines for: 
  • Polio 
  • Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) 
  • DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) 
  • Hepatitis B 
  • Tuberculosis (BCG) 
  • Rotavirus 
  • Pneumococcal disease 
  • See the full childhood immunisation schedule. 

Adult Vaccines 

  • Flu vaccine: Recommended annually, especially for high-risk groups. 
  • HPV vaccine: Protects against cervical cancer, offered to girls from age 9. 
  • COVID-19 vaccine: Covered as a prescribed minimum benefit for all medical aid members. 
  • Tetanus, hepatitis A/B, pneumonia, and shingles: Recommended for certain age groups or health conditions. 

Travel Vaccines 

  • If you’re travelling, you may need additional vaccines such as: 
  • Yellow fever 
  • Typhoid 
  • Hepatitis A/B 
  • Rabies 
  • Meningococcal disease 

Learn more about travel vaccines and cover. 

How to Claim for Vaccines 

  • Network providers: Most schemes require you to use a network GP or pharmacy for full cover. 
  • Out-of-network claims: Submit receipts and claim forms as per your scheme’s process. 
  • COVID-19 vaccine: Covered by all medical aids as a prescribed minimum benefit; claims are processed by the vaccination site. 

Read about vaccine reimbursement and claims. 

Key Considerations Before Getting Vaccinated

  • Are all recommended vaccines covered? Check your plan’s benefit schedule or compare medical aid plans. 
  • Is there a network of approved providers? Most plans require you to use network pharmacies or GPs for full reimbursement. 
  • How to claim for out-of-network vaccines? Submit receipts and claim forms; check if pre-authorisation is needed for travel vaccines. 

Immunisation Campaigns and Awareness 

South Africa runs annual immunisation campaigns for polio, measles, and other diseases, and participates in African Vaccination Week to raise awareness and increase coverage. Medical aids support these efforts with wellness reminders, newsletters, and digital alerts. 

FAQs:

Yes, most comprehensive plans cover flu, HPV, and other adult vaccines. See which plans offer flu vaccine cover.

Usually not for routine vaccines, but check with your scheme for travel vaccines.

Most plans have a network—check your provider’s network before you go.

References