The first round of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign is underway across South Africa, running from Monday 3 February to Friday 28 March, according to the South African Health Awareness Calendar.
The initiative, aimed at protecting young girls from HPV infections that could lead to cervical cancer, has already been rolled out at schools and clinics nationwide, including Goodwood Clinic, where registered professional nurse Tamara Jones is leading the charge.
“The campaign officially started on 3 February and will run until 28 March,” she said.
“So far, more than 50% of the eligible students have received the vaccine. The roll-out for the first round is going relatively well, and I as the school nurse am enjoying every moment of it.”
Jones attributes much of this success to a proactive approach in educating students about the vaccine. “Compared to last year, I found that the biggest gap was in providing students with the information they needed. Many were hesitant because they didn’t understand why the vaccine is important or how it works.”
To address this, Jones organised informative talks at local schools, walking students through the importance of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer. “These sessions made a big difference,” she noted. “Participation among students has increased significantly, and it’s heart-warming to see their enthusiasm and understanding grow. This is just the beginning.”
Overcoming challenges
Despite the campaign’s positive reception, challenges remain. One notable obstacle, according to Jones, is misinformation among parents. “Some parents hold onto stigmas or misconceptions about vaccines, which has led to eligible students missing out on this critical campaign.”
Additionally, the “fear of needles” has proven to be a significant barrier. “It may sound minor, but an increasing number of learners refuse to participate purely because they’re afraid of the injection.” Jones explained. She reassured students by creating a supportive environment, encouraging them to voice their concerns while emphasising the long-term benefits of the vaccine.
Side effects and benefits
Like any medical intervention, the HPV vaccine has potential side effects, which include fever, soreness or numbness in the arm, nausea, and dizziness. However, Jones stresses that these effects are generally mild and temporary compared to the vaccine’s life-saving benefits.
“In the long run, this vaccine will protect females from HPV infections, which are transmitted through sexual activity,” said Jones.
“This campaign will also significantly reduce the number of cervical cancer cases in women.”
As the campaign progresses, Jones remains optimistic about its impact. “This is more than just a vaccination drive. It’s an opportunity to empower young girls to take charge of their health and future. I’m proud to be part of this journey, and I look forward to seeing the positive results unfold.”
