Protecting the future: Free HPV Vaccines for Grade 5 girls in Western Cape
School health nurses from the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness are visiting public primary schools across the province to offer free HPV vaccinations to Grade 5 girls aged nine years and older.
Image: File
School health nurses from the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness are visiting public primary schools across the province to offer free HPV vaccinations to Grade 5 girls aged nine years and older.
The vaccination campaign runs from Monday, February 2 to Friday, March 27 and aims to protect young girls against cervical cancer later in life.
Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in South Africa. Most cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common infection that can lead to cancer if left untreated.
Abulele Dyasi, the spokesperson of the department, said immunising children in early adolescence provides strong and long-lasting protection.
She said the provincial HPV immunisation programme has been in place since 2014. From its launch up to the first round of 2025, 407 070 girls in public, private and special schools received at least one dose of the vaccine.
Ms Dyasi urged parents and caregivers to support the campaign by completing and returning consent forms.
"Your permission and support are crucial in making this campaign possible. School health nurses will only immunise young people with completed consent forms. We encourage parents to read the form, ask questions and to return the signed form to your child’s school."
Sister Ndabazabo Matiso, facility manager at Nomzamo Clinic, encouraged parents to participate.
“By reaching as many girls as possible with the HPV vaccine, we strengthen the long-term health of our community and move closer to reducing cervical cancer for future generations,” she said.
Parents are advised to look out for consent forms distributed through schools, review the information carefully and return signed forms promptly. Those with questions can contact their local clinic or speak to their school health team.
More information about childhood immunisation is available on the Western Cape Government website.
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