Gauteng launches HPV vaccination drive as parents urged to act

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is calling on parents, caregivers and legal guardians to support the province’s upcoming Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign by signing and returning consent forms to schools to ensure eligible learners receive this life-saving vaccine.

According to Department of Health spokesperson Steve Mabona, the campaign forms part of the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP), will run from August 3 to October 9 at participating independent primary schools across Gauteng.

Vaccination teams will visit outstanding public primary and special schools to reach eligible learners who may have been missed during the earlier campaign, as the majority of public schools were covered during the rollout conducted earlier this year.

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Mabona said the HPV vaccine will be offered to all eligible Grade Five girls aged nine years and older, including learners who may have missed previous vaccination opportunities.

“A single dose of the vaccine provides effective protection against HPV infection and significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer later in life,” said Mabona.

“Cervical cancer, also known as cancer of the cervix, remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in South Africa. However, it is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and regular cervical cancer screening.”

According to Mabona, HPV is a common virus that affects both males and females, while more than 200 types of HPV exist; types 16 and 18 are responsible for over 70% of cervical cancer cases.
The HPV vaccine used in the public health programme, Cervarix, is safe and highly effective in protecting against these high-risk strains.

During the 2025/26 implementation period, the GDoH HPV Vaccination Campaign achieved significant reach across public and independent schools. Of the 1 500 targeted public schools, 1 498 were reached, resulting in 72 249 Grade Five girls being vaccinated.

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In the independent school sector, 530 of the 664 targeted schools were reached (79.8%), with 9 740 Grade Five girls vaccinated. Public schools recorded a learner coverage rate of 80%, compared to 37.7% in independent schools.

Mabona said several challenges affected vaccine uptake, particularly in independent schools. These included schools declining access to vaccination teams, learner absenteeism on vaccination days (affecting 1 830 learners), and the non-return of 24 327 parental consent forms.

Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy also contributed to lower vaccination rates in some schools.

To address these barriers, the GDoH, in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Education, has strengthened stakeholder engagement, intensified community education efforts and enhanced collaboration with schools to improve participation and vaccine uptake.

A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health found that South Africa’s school-based HPV vaccination programme reduced infections caused by HPV types 16 and 18 by 83% among young women, including those living with HIV.

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The findings demonstrate the substantial public health benefits of achieving high HPV vaccination coverage.

The success of this campaign depends on parental and community support. No learner will be vaccinated without a signed consent form. However, learners aged 12 years and older may provide their own consent in accordance with national health guidelines.

The department nevertheless encourages parents and caregivers to remain actively involved in this important health intervention.

“Parents and guardians are urged to read the information provided by schools, complete the consent forms and return them promptly to ensure eligible learners do not miss the opportunity to receive protection against cervical cancer,” said Mabona.

City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the city supports the Gauteng Department of Health’s Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, which runs until October 9 at public and independent schools.

He said the Adolescent and Youth-Friendly Services (AYFS), a healthcare programme dedicated to young people, also helps those aged between 10 and 35 years access essential healthcare without having to miss school or work.

Dlamini encouraged parents and caregivers whose children may have missed one or more routine vaccinations to visit their nearest clinic to make up for the missed vaccinations, which are available for free at clinics across the city.

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“HPV vaccines are also available at clinics for girls aged nine years and older. A single dose provides effective protection against HPV infection and significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer later in life,” said Dlamini.

“Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer, but the leading cause of cancer deaths among South African women, according to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), which advocates for research, education and support of people affected by cancer. Cervical cancer is largely preventable through HPV vaccination, regular screening and early detection.”

Dlamini urged parents and caregivers to visit their nearest clinics and ensure that their children and young people receive the necessary healthcare services.