Department of Health kicks off Human Papilloma virus vaccination drive
Statistics show that one in every eight women who die in South Africa die from complications as a result of cancer of the cervix. Simply translated, this indicates that if your daughter attends a party with seven other little girls, one of them may die as a result of cancer of the cervix.
Almost 80% of cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papilloma virus (HPV). The vaccination prevents the infection of the virus from developing on the cervix.
“We now have the opportunity to stop this illness; all that is required is effective vaccination. Western Cape Government Health will help you do this. Our health teams will be visiting all public and special education schools in the province during February and again in September of 2014 to administer free HPV vaccination to girls in Grade four in 2014 and who have already turned nine and older,” states Minister Theuns Botha, Western Cape Minister of Health, who is a father and grandfather.
During the next three years, Western Cape Government Health will annually vaccinate all Grade four girls. It is however of vital importance that parents/caregivers and teachers play their role in this campaign.
Parents need to ensure that they have signed and return the consent forms which they will receive from the school that their child attends. No girl will be vaccinated without parental consent. The consent form will be sent to parents during the next few weeks.
The consent form will only be given to those parents whose girls are eligible for the vaccine. These are:
- Attends a public or specialised education school.
- Is in Grade four.
- Will be nine years old or older, by the time the campaign starts (17 February).
- Has a signed consent form.
Should you wish to vaccinate your daughter and she does not fall into this criteria, please speak to your pharmacist. The vaccination is available at pharmacies, however, you will be charged for it.
Vaccination remains one of the most effective manners in which to prevent illnesses in our children. Western Cape Government Health already offers many vaccinations that help keep your child healthy. Protection against HPV is the same as these vaccinations; you are protecting your daughter’s future health.
Dates for the Ccampaign
Round 1: 17 February 2014 – 14 March 2014
Round 2: 29 September 2014 – 24 October 2014
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Together, we can ensure that our daughters have a bright and healthy future.
Media enquiries:
Jo-Anne Otto
Principal Communications Officer
Tel: 023 348 8100
Cell: 072 808 0106
E-mail: jo-anne.otto@westerncape.gov.za
