Protect your daughter’s future - the HPV vaccine saves lives

GEORGE NEWS - School health teams from the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness will be visiting public and special schools from 3 February to 31 March to administer the single-dose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to eligible girls aged nine and older.

"Once again, we are calling on parents and caregivers to take this important step. This vaccine is safe, free, and highly effective against HPV, a leading cause of cervical cancer.

"It is a simple step to make a lifetime of difference," said Sonia Botha, Western Cape coordinator of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation.

Thousands of young girls in the province have been receiving the HPV vaccine every year since the introduction of the school-based HPV vaccination programme in 2014. "We have successfully administered more than 350 000 vaccines, reaching nearly 1 200 schools annually in the Western Cape. This reflects the strong support from parents and communities who recognise the life-saving impact of vaccinations," said Botha.

By now, parents and caregivers should have received consent forms and information from schools about the HPV vaccine’s benefits. "If you haven’t signed the form yet, we urge you to do so. Your decision today could help protect your daughter and a young girl in your care for decades to come."

For those who may have missed previous vaccination opportunities, catch-up doses will be available later in the year for girls in private and independent schools, as well as those who were not vaccinated in previous campaigns.

Cervical cancer - claims most lives
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, encourages all parents and caregivers to take advantage of this opportunity. “The HPV vaccine protects girls by ensuring they remain safe from cervical cancer later in life.

"Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among South African women and, heartbreakingly, the one that claims the most lives.

"By vaccinating our young girls today, we are taking a powerful step towards a future where cervical cancer is one less thing for our women to worry about.

"Please sign the consent form and help protect your child.”

'My granddaughter got the vaccine'
Coordinator Botha said the HPV vaccination programme achieves more than 80% coverage annually, demonstrating high acceptance in communities and benefitting more girls for decades to come.

"This vaccine provides a unique opportunity for us to join hands with communities and invest in the health of women and the future of girls in the Western Cape.

"My granddaughter has had the same HPV vaccine to protect her against cervical cancer. I would like to implore fellow parents and caregivers of eligible girls to choose to vaccinate against HPV this year.”

This programme is part of a global initiative led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2030. The first step towards this goal is ensuring that 90% of girls are fully vaccinated against HPV by the age of 15.

Botha said with widespread vaccination, HPV can be eliminated in the near future and protect generations to come.

Answering parents' questions
Igna van den Heever, professional nurse from the George sub-district who gives the HPV vaccination, said this is the 11th year of the campaign.

"We understand that parents might have questions about the vaccination, therefore we send HPV information leaflets home with our consent forms. Let’s stand together for the health and well-being of our young girls. Sign the consent form today and help build a healthier future for all," said Van den Heever.