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Milestones & immunisations

Follow your child's journey from the first weeks to the teenage years.

Milestones

Birth – 4 weeks

  • Briefly lifts head during tummy time
  • Turns towards familiar voices
  • Focuses on faces 20–30 cm away
  • Strong sucking and grasp reflexes

Immunisations

SA public schedule (EPI)

  1. At birth

    • • BCG (tuberculosis)
    • • OPV 0 (oral polio)

Helpful guidance

Practical tips

  • • Place baby on their back to sleep, on a firm, flat surface
  • • A first paediatric check is usually done within the first week or two
  • • Yellowing of the skin (jaundice) in the first days should be reviewed by a doctor

Every child develops at their own pace. Private schedules may include additional vaccines — confirm timing with your paediatrician.

General educational information only; does not replace professional medical advice. In an emergency, call Netcare Linksfield Hospital Emergency on +27 11 647 3605 or 10177 / 112.

Keep track at home

Print our free immunisation card and keep it with your child's Road to Health booklet.

Front of the Immunisation Tracker card, listing vaccines by age

Free parent card · A6

Immunisation Tracker

Note each vaccine and the date it was given, from birth to 12 years. Keep it with your child's Road to Health booklet.

Download PDF
General educational information only; does not replace professional medical advice.