The Fight Against Cervical Cancer – Western Cape’s Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Campaign

In an effort to combat cervical cancer and reduce human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is promoting the vaccination of girls aged 9 and above. This article discusses the HPV vaccination campaign and the importance of parental consent in administering the vaccine.

Second Round of Vaccinations

From September 4 to October 31, 2023, the second round of HPV vaccinations will be administered to Grade 5 girls who have received the vaccine previously. However, parental consent is crucial before proceeding with vaccinations. Sister Rayneze Saayman, the school health nursing coordinator for the Northern and Tygerberg Substructure (NTSS), stresses the importance of consent forms, which must be submitted to schools before nurses’ visits.

First Round of Vaccinations

In the first round of vaccinations, 76% of children across 1,044 schools in the province received their dose. In the NTSS, 53% of the population, equivalent to 4,601 girls, received the vaccine. This shows that parental consent is crucial in ensuring that children receive the vaccination.

Cervical Cancer and HPV

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among South African women aged 15 to 44, with around 70% of invasive cases linked to HPV serotypes 16 and 18. The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is dedicated to eradicating cervical cancer by promoting vaccinations and relying on the support of nurses and colleagues.

The Importance of Vaccinations

Sister Saayman emphasizes the importance of the vaccine as a preventative measure against the virus, which could develop into cervical cancer. Early vaccinations for girls as young as 9 years old are necessary to maximize the vaccine’s effectiveness, as it must be administered before any intimate contact or sexual activity occurs.

Sonia Botha, Deputy Director in Child’s Health, stresses the importance of obtaining the second dose of the HPV vaccine for girls, as it provides essential protection against cervical cancer later in life.

Encouraging Parents to Return Consent Forms

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness urges parents to return consent forms promptly and consult their school health nurse, local clinic healthcare worker, or family GP for any queries or concerns. The HPV vaccination campaign holds the promise of a future free from cervical cancer and lower HPV infections, provided herd immunity is achieved through widespread vaccination.

The success of the HPV vaccination campaign depends on the cooperation of parents and carers in returning consent forms and encouraging their daughters to receive this essential vaccine. As a community, we must unite to protect our girls and strive for a future free from cervical cancer.