Second round of HPV vaccinations gets underway in Western Cape

The Western Cape’s Health & Wellness Department announced the start of the second phase of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations in all public primary and special schools in the province.

In a statement, the department said the vaccination will help protect girls from developing cervical cancer later in life.  Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths amongst women aged 15 to 44 years in South Africa with about 70% of invasive cancers caused by the HPV serotypes 16 and 18.

It said the vaccination period will between 4 September and 31 October 2023.

‘’Girls in Grade 5, over the age of 9, who have received the vaccine earlier this year will be able to have their booster doses after the appropriate parental consent has been obtained,’’ read the statement.

During the first-round of HPV vaccination in the Western Cape, which took place during 20 February until 31 March 2023, 76% of children at 1 044 schools visited, received their first dose.

''In the Northern and Tygerberg Substructure (NTSS), at least 4 601 (53% of our population) girls were vaccinated.''

PICTURE - WCG:  Sr. Danae Schoeman administers the HPV vaccine to a learner at a primary school in Delft

NTSS school health nursing coordinator, Sr Rayneze Saayman, says the HPV vaccination campaign is dependent on the support of parents and caregivers and, as such, it is necessary that the consent forms completed and submitted to the schools prior to the nurses’ visits.

“Consent is needed from parents to make sure they understand the information given regarding the vaccine and to then agree that the vaccine can be provided to their child. No vaccine can be provided without your consent. Girls who are not vaccinated are at high risk of contracting the Human Papilloma virus of which the infection could possibly evolve to cervical cancer. Studies have shown that two doses, six months apart, provide better protection.”

“Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by Human Papilloma virus, however girls can be protected by taking the vaccine as a preventative measure before they are exposed,” she added.

‘’To obtain maximum effectiveness, the vaccine needs to be administered before any sexual activity or intimate contact occurs, which means vaccinating as early as the age of 9.  “Ensuring the second dose of HPV vaccination gives your daughter the appropriate defense in prevention of cervical cancer later on in life and give you peace of mind in knowing your daughter is protected,” says Sonia Botha, Deputy Director in Child’s Health.

The provincial department encouraged parents to return the consent forms.

‘’If you have any questions, please speak to your school health nurse, la healthcare worker at your local clinic or family GP. The HPV campaign brings hope to us all for a world free from cervical cancer, and HPV infection can be reduced if herd immunity is achieved using the vaccine. Let’s protect our girls today!’’