Second phase of HPV vaccinations rolled out in schools
Parents, caregivers, and legal guardians are reminded that the second leg of HPV vaccinations is underway.
The Gauteng Department of Health has rolled out the second phase of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations in all public and special schools throughout the province.
As a result, parents and guardians are urged to take note as the vaccination drive is aimed at protecting young girls from developing cervical cancer later in life. HPV is a common virus that can infect both males and females.
There are over 200 types of HPV viruses and according to the department, research has shown that HPV types 16 and 18 account for more than 70% of cervical cancer cases.
MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said the first dose of the vaccination drive was carried out earlier in the year.
“We would like to call on parents, caregivers, and legal guardians who have not yet signed the consent form to do so, to ensure that their children do not miss out on the drive.
The vaccine is administered to school girls who are aged nine years and above. From February to March 2023 during the first dose of the vaccination drive, close to 73 000 girls out of almost 90 500 were vaccinated with HPV first dose vaccine.
“All these girls are due to receive their second HPV vaccine dose. Those girls who were not yet nine years old and are still in grade five or were absent during the first round will also be given their HPV first dose,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
She added that during this period, the school health teams will also be administering a booster dose of Tetanus Diphtheria (Td). The Td vaccine is a booster dose and does not replace either Td given at six years or 12 years.
She also said that Tetanus and Diphtheria vaccination is given to prevent Td disease outbreaks in the community among adolescents and to increase the Td immunisation coverage among school-going adolescents. It is safe to give Td simultaneously with the HPV vaccine.
“A consent form that was signed at the start of the year is used for routine comprehensive Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) and is valid for the whole year. ISHP includes school health screening (de-worming, eye health, hearing, oral assessment) and onsite health services. No child will be screened or vaccinated without a signed consent form, however, children aged 12 and above can sign and ascent for themselves,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The drive will continue until October 31.
