The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has encouraged parents to return consent forms authorising nurses to administer human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to learners.
The goal of the HPV campaign is to eradicate cervical cancer, achieve herd immunity and lower HPV infections.
To be effective, the vaccine must be administered prior to any sexual activity or intimate contact, making early vaccination as young as age 9 necessary.
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Between 4 September and 31 October 2023, nurses will be administering the second round of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which is instrumental in preventing cervical cancer.
Girls in Grade 5 who are over the age of 9 and have previously received the vaccine this year will have the opportunity to receive their booster doses, pending parental consent. During the initial round of HPV vaccination across the province, teams visited a total of 1 044 schools and an encouraging 76% of the children received their first dose.
In the Northern and Tygerberg Substructure (NTSS), a notable 53% of the population, equivalent to 4 601 girls, received the HPV vaccine.
Sister Rayneze Saayman, the school health nursing coordinator for NTSS, underscored the pivotal role of parents and carers in supporting the HPV vaccination campaign, and how it is imperative that consent forms are completed and submitted to the schools prior to the nurses’ visits.
Sister Saayman emphasised, ‘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 papillomavirus, whose infection could possibly evolve into cervical cancer. Studies have shown that two doses, six months apart, provide better protection.’
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According to the department, cervical cancer stands as the leading cause of cancer-related fatalities among South African women aged 15 to 44, with approximately 70% of invasive cases attributed to HPV serotypes 16 and 18.
Therefore, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness’s commitment to eradicating cervical cancer remains resolute, with its nurses and colleagues playing an indispensable role in facilitating this intervention.
Sister Saayman noted, ‘Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus; however, girls can be protected by taking the vaccine as a preventative measure before they are exposed.’
To achieve maximum effectiveness, the vaccine should be administered before any sexual activity or intimate contact occurs, making early vaccination as young as age 9 necessary.
Sonia Botha, Deputy Director in Child’s Health, underscores the significance of ensuring the second dose of the HPV vaccination for your daughter, as it provides essential defence against cervical cancer in later life and offers parents peace of mind, knowing their child is protected.
The department encouraged all parents to return the consent forms promptly and not hesitate to consult with their school health nurse, a healthcare worker at their local clinic, or their family GP regarding queries or concerns.
The statement concluded, ‘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!’
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Picture: Western Cape Government