Parents urged to sign consent forms for HPV vaccination
Health MEC Dr. Magome Masike is appealing to parents to sign consent forms to allow health officials to vaccinate their children.
The Department of Health together with the Department of Education kick started the first round of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination from 7 February until 27 March 2018 targeting school girl child from the age of nine years.
HPV is a group of more than 150 related viruses that are transmitted through sexual intercourse. The virus can infect the genital area and end up causing genital warts and different cancers.
The purpose of this intervention is to prevent cervical cancer and protect learners against worm infestations. Health professionals will soon start visiting public schools in the province to administer free HPV.
The department runs the campaign twice in a year. The second dose will be administered from 22 August to 27 September 2018.
MEC Masike said the success of an immunisation campaign such as this one is highly dependent on the parental acceptance of the vaccine as an effective lifesaving immunisation.
“It is important that we protect our children, future women of South Africa against cervical cancer. The focus here is prevention and promotion rather than curative.
“I am therefore appealing to all communities to inform parents, guardians and extended families of these young girls that the vaccination is available and is free.
“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,” Masike said.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 082 929 9958
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
