Sisters running private baby clinics in Bedfordview said a major breakout of illnesses among newborn babies can be expected if babies are not vaccinated soon.
The nurses said they could not allow themselves to fully celebrate International Nurses Day last Thursday when their patients have been left vulnerable by the system.
“How do we begin to celebrate if our precious babies are exposed to potential illnesses on a daily basis and there is nothing we can do? It is very distressing and our moms are frustrated,” said one of the nurses who wanted to remain anonymous.
In April, the NEWS reported that the clinics had not received stock for over four months and at the time, one clinic had a backlog of over 36 babies that were yet to be vaccinated.
As of May 5, the sisters said they were still sitting without stock.
The six-in-one vaccine, Hexaxim, is given to babies between the ages of six and 14 weeks old and protects against illnesses like whooping cough and polio.
In April, Mr Steve Mabona, the spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Health, said although the department was unaware of any vaccine shortages in the Ekurhuleni region, there had been a shortage of supply of Hexaxim. This resulted because of a shortage of supply from the supplier.
The nurses said parents have either had to pay exorbitant amounts of money at pharmacies or go to clinics outside the area.
Private practitioners receive stock from their local clinics as part of an agreement entered into with the provincial health department to promote a partnership with regards to the vaccination of children.
A mother who did not want to be named said she is worried that she has to go back to work and is unable to either hire a nanny or send her baby to school because she is not vaccinated.
“I am scared I may be exposing her to illnesses,” she said.
At the time of going to press, it was unclear how many babies were yet to be vaccinated in the area.
