Western Cape Urges Parents to Get Eligible Grade 5 Girls Vaccinated Against HPV

 More than 36,800 Grade 5 girls in the Western Cape received the HPV vaccine during the first six months of the year, but thousands of eligible learners still need to be vaccinated.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is now offering catch-up HPV vaccinations to Grade 5 girls who missed the first vaccination round earlier this year.

The department says parents and caregivers need to provide a signed parental consent form before a child can receive the vaccine.

Human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV, is a major cause of cervical cancer. Vaccination against HPV can help protect girls from HPV-related cancers later in life, making early vaccination an important part of long-term cancer prevention.

Picture: Pixabay

Western Cape Health and Wellness MEC Mireille Wenger is appealing to parents and caregivers to return the required consent forms as soon as possible.

The department says doing so will help ensure that eligible children can receive the available protection through the catch-up programme.

Health experts have also highlighted the importance of vaccinating children at the recommended age.

Professor Alan Davidson, head of the Clinical Unit Oncology Service at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, says HPV vaccination at the recommended age can help prevent cervical cancer and protect future generations from the impact of the disease.

Davidson describes HPV vaccination as an investment in a future where fewer women and families have to experience the devastating effects of a largely preventable disease.

The call comes as health authorities continue efforts to improve HPV vaccination coverage among eligible girls in the province.

For parents and caregivers whose children missed the earlier vaccination round, the catch-up programme provides another opportunity to ensure they receive the vaccine.

The Department of Health and Wellness is urging families not to delay returning consent forms so that eligible Grade 5 girls can benefit from the protection offered by HPV vaccination.

With cervical cancer remaining a serious health concern, officials and healthcare professionals say prevention through vaccination can play an important role in reducing the impact of the disease on future generations.

 

Done By: Keelyn Jardien