Gauteng health department urges parents to return HPV consent forms

The Gauteng health department has called on parents and caregivers to sign and return consent forms ahead of its next HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination campaign, after more than 24,000 forms went unreturned during the previous drive, affecting uptake at some schools.

The campaign, part of the Integrated School Health Programme, runs from 3 August to 9 October at independent primary schools across the province, before teams visit outstanding public primary and special schools. Most public schools were already covered in an earlier rollout this year.

Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said the vaccine would be offered to all eligible grade 5 girls aged nine and older, including those who missed earlier opportunities. A single dose offers strong protection against HPV infection and significantly cuts the risk of developing cervical cancer, he said.

Cervical cancer is among the most common cancers affecting women in South Africa but is largely preventable through vaccination and regular screening.

Mabona said HPV types 16 and 18 account for more than 70% of cervical cancer cases, and the Cervarix vaccine used in the public programme is safe and effective against these strains.

In the 2025/26 campaign, 1,498 of 1,500 targeted public schools were reached, with 72,249 grade 5 girls vaccinated – an 80% learner coverage rate. In independent schools, 530 of 664 targeted schools were reached, with 9,740 girls vaccinated, a coverage rate of 37.7%.

Mabona said uptake in independent schools was hampered by some schools declining access to vaccination teams, learner absenteeism affecting 1,830 learners, and the non-return of 24,327 consent forms. Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy also played a role.

He cited a study in The Lancet Global Health showing South Africa's school-based HPV vaccination programme cut infections from HPV types 16 and 18 by 83% among young women, including those living with HIV.

No learner will be vaccinated without a signed consent form, though those aged 12 and older may consent for themselves under national health guidelines. Mabona urged parents to read the information provided by schools and return consent forms promptly.

SOURCE: African News Agency

PHOTO CREDIT: ANA