The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is urging parents and guardians to support its ongoing single-dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, aimed at protecting young girls from cervical cancer.

Vaccinating girls before exposure to the virus offers strong, lifelong protection. By preventing HPV infection early, the risk of developing cervical cancer later in life is significantly reduced, ultimately saving lives and lessening the personal and societal burden of this often-deadly disease. The vaccination campaign will be rolled out across all schools in Gauteng from September 8 to November 7. Eligible recipients include girls aged 9 to 15.

GDoH spokesperson Motaletale Modiba reassured parents of the vaccine’s safety and efficacy: This life-saving initiative underscores the importance of immunising girls before the age of 15. Early protection significantly lowers their risk of developing cervical cancer in adulthood.

He added that the vaccine is formulated to protect against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause over 70% of cervical cancer cases globally.

Parental consent forms are required, though learners aged 12 and older may self-assent in accordance with health regulations. Vaccinations will take place at private primary schools, combined private schools, outstanding public primary schools, and special schools throughout the province. In addition, Grade Five boys and girls will receive a booster dose of the Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine.

The HPV vaccination campaign forms part of the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP), which also provides vision, hearing, oral health, and nutrition screenings, as well as deworming and other essential on-site services.

According to the Department of Health, a single dose of the HPV vaccine offers lifelong protection against the strains of the virus most likely to cause cervical cancer.