THE national Department of Health will embark on a national immunisation campaign from today until Sunday as part of the immunisation awareness week.

During this period, the department will ask the public to immunise children in a bid to reduce mortality caused by diseases such as polio, whooping cough and diphtheria.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said this campaign formed an essential part of primary health care which is crucial in preventing the onset of diseases among young children in particular.

Spokesperson Fidel Hadebe encouraged parents to screen their children's immunisation status on their Road To Health Cards. Those not fully immunised for their age will get catch-up vaccinations.