Human Papillomavirus Campaign

The National Department of Health (NDH) has decided to administer this vaccine to the public during the annual Human Papillomavirus Campaign, which is being rolled out during two campaign rounds.

Papillomavirus, also known as HPV is a common virus that causes cervical cancer in woman.

“Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women in developing countries such as South Africa,” says Sister Rita Brown from the department.

Each year approximately 5 743 women develop cervical cancer and 3 027 women die from it – thus in South Africa there is a risk that one in 26 women will develop cervical cancer and possibly die thereof.

Brown says a vaccine has been developed that provides protection, which women have received from private practitioners for some years already.

The second round of the campaign will begin on September 29 and end on October 24.

“The target group for this vaccine is Grade Four girls,” says Brown.

To receive the vaccine in this campaign, a child must be a girl, she must be older than nine years and she must be in Grade Four.

All public schools and special schools will be targeted.

Private schools will not be included in this campaign.

Brown says the vaccine will only be administered at schools – no NPV vaccines will be given at clinics.

“The child must thus be present at school on the day the nurses are coming in order to receive the vaccine,” she adds.

Parents must sign the consent forms, which will be delivered to and distributed by the schools before the start of the first round in February.

“No vaccinations will be given to any child without the signed consent form,” says Brown.

The vaccines will be administrated in a clean and sterile way by trained school health nurses and registered nurses.

The cold chain will be maintained and all the correct procedures will be followed to ensure safe and effective vaccinations.

Brown states at the end of the second round, all girls who received both vaccines will be issued with a vaccination card indicating the completion of the HPV vaccination schedule.

“We urge all community members to participate in this campaign in order for it to be a success and to ensure the protection of our girls against this killer virus,” concludes Brown.