Gauteng Health launches ANTI-CANCER vaccination drive for girls

The Gauteng Health Department has informed parents of girls aged nine and older that the first round of its Human Papillomavirus Vaccination (HPV) campaign will take place between 14 February to 31 March 2022 in all public primary schools.

“The aim of the HPV campaign is to protect girls from developing cervical cancer later in life. Parents, caregivers and legal guardians who have not yet signed the consent form are reminded to do so in order to ensure that their children do not miss out on the HPV vaccination drive,” said spokesperson Motalatale Modiba in a statement.

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The Gauteng Health Department says parents would need to sign a consent form, which would be valid for the rest of the year. The consent form will also be used for routine health assessments as part of the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP).

“The ISHP includes provision of health education, eye, ear, oral assessments, catch-up immunisations as well as deworming, including identification of any other health barriers. It is important to note that the consent form for ISHP and HPV Campaign will not be used for COVID19 vaccination programme.”

“Learners who were not reached during this first period will be vaccinated when schools re-open on 5 April 2022. The second dose of HPV vaccine will be given after six months on 2 September to 31 October 2022.”

Motalatale Modiba, Gauteng Health Department spokesperson