LIFESTYLE NEWS - Western Cape Government Health will continue its fight to reduce cervical cancers in women, when the 2015 campaign to immunise Grade Four girls against the Human Papilomavirus (HPV) will start on Monday, 23 February.
In 2014, 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 second round of the 2015 campaign.
The dates for the 2015 campaign are 23 February - 20 March for Round One, while Round Two runs from 12 October to November.
Human Papilomavirus (HPV) is an easily contracted virus and is responsible for up to 80% of Cervical Cancers. Cervarix®, the vaccine that will be used in South Africa, is a vaccine that prevents the development of HPV related Cervical Cancer, as it stops the infection from developing. "It has proven to be effective and has minimal, if any, side effects."
Vaccination remains one of the most effective manners in which to prevent illnesses in our children. Western Cape Government Health already offers many vaccinations that help keep your child healthy.
"Protection against HPV is the same as these vaccinations; you are protecting your daughter's future health. As is the case with all new medications, people ask many questions, one of which is the question around the safety of the HPV vaccine.
Published analysis regarding the safety of HPV vaccines provides evidence that autoimmune conditions, neurological diseases, and thromboembolic disease are not triggered by the HPV vaccination."
"Several factors exist to consider when making the decision whether or not to vaccinate your daughter against HPV, among are which no adverse reactions were attributable to the vaccine serum, Cervarix® during trials;
- The vaccine does not contain any ingredient that can have an effect on: fertility, menstruation, hormonal activity and/or age of sexual debut.
- The vaccine prevents HPV infection in the same manner that other vaccines prevent illnesses.
- Western Cape Government Health personnel who will be administering the injections have received training specifically in how to manage adverse
- effects and events during and after the campaign. Patient safety is our priority.
- Only girls in Grade 4 aged nine or turning 10, with signed consent forms from their parents or legal guardians will be vaccinated during the campaign.
