Western Cape Government Health wishes to thank all the staff, parents, teachers and media groups who helped safeguard the future health of 91%  of this year’s Grade 4 girls! 

Western Cape Minister of Health, Theuns Botha stated, “The uptake by all role players of the immunisation has been wonderful. HPV related cervical cancer is responsible for the death of many young women.  We hope that through this vaccination, when these young girls are wives and mothers, we will see a significant decline in the incidence of HPV related Cervical Cancer.   This not only speaks into our goal of improving the wellness of our society, but also to the financial implications for households who need to care for a family member  who  is ill. Well done to all those involved in achieving this remarkable coverage.”

The HPV campaign took place in two rounds, the first round saw coverage of 87% whereas the second round in October found that not only had a number of girls become eligible for the vaccination, but many more parents signed consent forms thus enabling their daughters to be vaccinated.  This small group (approximately 13% of the total group), will receive their booster shot during the 2015 campaign which will take place in February/ March and Sept/October.

Only Western Cape Government Health offer a variety of immunisations to help protect our communities from illness,  not only as children, but specifically offering vaccinations at a young age to protect people as adults too.  Immunisation is available free of charge at all health facilities and at a number of partner organisations. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV)  immunisation  is currently only offered to girls attending public schools and are 9 years old during Grade 4.  Those parents who wish to have their older daughters vaccinated can consult their local pharmacy.  Vaccination remains the safest method to prevent illness.

For more information on HPV, the vaccination and how to ensure that your daughter stays HPV free, please visit the following link:

http://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/frequently-asked-questions-about-human-papillomavirus-hpv

The information is available in all three languages of the Western Cape.