The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is urging parents, caregivers and legal guardians to return consent forms to schools to ensure eligible learners receive the life-saving Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
The department is rolling out the HPV vaccination campaign until 9 October 2026, at both independent and public schools.
The vaccine will be offered to all eligible Grade 5 girls aged nine years and older.
“A single dose of the vaccine provides effective protection against HPV infection and significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer later in life.
“Cervical cancer, also known as cancer of the cervix, remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in South Africa. However, it is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and regular cervical cancer screening,” the department said in a statement.
HPV affects both men and women with types 16 and 18 of the virus responsible for over 70% of cervical cancer cases.
“The HPV vaccine, used in the public health programme, Cervarix, is safe and highly effective in protecting against these high-risk strains.
“A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health found that South Africa’s school-based HPV vaccination programme reduced infections caused by HPV types 16 and 18 by 83% among young women, including those living with HIV.
“The findings demonstrate the substantial public health benefits of achieving high HPV vaccination coverage,” the statement explained.
More than 80 000 girls were vaccinated during the 2025/26 rollout campaign however, the department faced challenges including:
- Declining access to vaccination teams
- Learner absenteeism on vaccination days which affected 1 830 learners
- Non-return of 24 327 parental consent forms.
- Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy also contributed to lower vaccination rates in some schools.
“The success of this campaign depends on parental and community support. No learner will be vaccinated without a signed consent form.
“However, learners aged 12 years and older may provide their own consent in accordance with national health guidelines. The department nevertheless encourages parents and caregivers to remain actively involved in this important health intervention.
“Parents and guardians are urged to read the information provided by schools, complete the consent forms and return them promptly to ensure eligible learners do not miss the opportunity to receive protection against cervical cancer,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
