In an effort to protect young girls from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the Department of Gauteng Health has entered the second phase of vaccinations.
HPV is a common virus that can infect both males and females and could eventually cause cervical cancer (cancer of the mouth of the womb) later in life.
There are over 200 types of HPV viruses and research has shown that HPV types 16 and 18 account for more than 70% of cervical cancer cases. The Cervarix HPV Vaccine is very safe and effective in preventing the HPV infection caused by these two HPV strains (type 16 and 18).
According to the department, the vaccination drive started on Monday and will continue until October 31.
MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has since called on parents, caregivers and legal guardians who have not yet signed the consent form to do so.
The vaccine is administered to girls who are in Grade 5, aged 9 years and above.
“In February 2023 to March 2023 during the first dose of the vaccination drive, a total of 72 880 grade 5 girls out of 90 492 (80.5%) were vaccinated with HPV 1st dose vaccine. All these girls are due to receive their 2nd HPV vaccine dose.
“Those girls who were not yet 9 years old and are still in grade 5 or were absent during the first round will also be given their HPV first doses”, said Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
During this period, the school health teams will also be administering a booster dose of Tetanus Diphtheria (Td). The Td vaccine booster dose does not replace Td given at 6 years or 12 years.
“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.”
Nkomo-Ralehoko further said no child will be screened or vaccinated without a signed consent form, however, children aged 12 and above can sign for themselves.
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