An estimated 4 559 girls in the Eden district will receive the vaccination during the second round. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus that causes Cervical Cancer. The vaccination protects women from being infected by HPV and thus reduces the risk of developing HPV related cervical cancer later in life. Cervical Cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women after Breast Cancer.
Those girls who were not yet nine (9) years old during the first round in April, or did not return signed consent forms will now have the opportunity to receive the vaccination.
This is a small group of approximately 13%. These girls will receive their booster shot during the 2015 campaign. The second round ran from 29 September to 31 October. The HPV vaccination that is used is Cervarix® and protects the girls specifically against HPV strains 16 and 18, which are the most virulent types of HPV.
The vaccination's efficacy against contraction of the virus is proven with marked decreases in the incidence of HPV infection in countries such as the USA, India and the UK, where the vaccine has been available for a while.
Vaccination remains the safest method to prevent illness. Only girls who return their consent forms or formed part of the first round of the campaign will be vaccinated.
"We now have the opportunity to stop this illness. We will help you do this," stated Minister Theuns Botha, Western Cape Minister of Health. For more information on HPV, the vaccination and how to ensure that your daughter stays HPV free, visit the link http://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/frequently-asked-questions-about-human-papillomavirus-hpv.
The information is available in three languages.
Girls in the Grade 4 A class at Dellvilla Primary School are ready for the second round of the HPV vaccine. At the back is Susan Kruger (Child Health coordinator DoH), Dr Helise Schumann (Eden District Manager DoH) and Jennifer von Merch (teacher).
Source: Western Cape Health
