From Monday 2 February to Friday 27 March school health nurses from the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness will visit public schools to offer a single-dose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, at no cost, to Grade 5 girls aged 9 years and older, the department said in a statement on Friday.
It said by supporting this programme parents and caregivers can help ensure today’s girls grow into adults who are better protected against one of the most preventable cancers affecting women.
According to the department cervical cancer remained one of the most common cancers in South Africa, yet it was also highly preventable. Most cases are caused by the human papillomavirus. It said the HPV immunisation (vaccine), given in early adolescence, helps stop these infections long before they can cause harm.
Immunising at this age is recommended worldwide because children have a strong immune response, making the vaccine most effective now, the department said.
It said from the start of the HPV immunisation campaign in 2014 up to the first round of 2025, a total of 407 070 girls in public, independent, private and special schools received at least one dose.
The general public’s permission and support are crucial in making this campaign possible. School health nurses will immunise only young people with completed consent forms. The Health and Wellness Department encouraged parents to read the form, ask questions and return the signed form to their child’s school.
Cristal Solomons, who oversees the rollout of the campaign in the Western Cape, pointed out that the HPV vaccine is one of the strongest tools there is to prevent cervical cancer. “Giving it to girls at this age offers long–lasting protection that can save lives later on. Our school nurses are adequately trained to provide the vaccination and will provide it only with your permission, through a signed consent form.”
The department said parents should look out for the HPV consent form from school; review and sign it and return it to your child’s school.
More information on immunisation visit https://www.westerncape.gov.za/health-wellness/article/child-health-and-immunisation
