KNYSNA NEWS - Western Cape Government Health in Eden would like to thank the parents and/or guardians of the 2 453 learners who have received the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination during the first half of round one for 2018 with Knysna and Bitou next on the list.
"We hope to vaccinate 487 girls in Knysna and 317 girls in Bitou during this round," said Nadia Ferreira, principal communications officer for Eden and Central Karoo Districts, Western Cape Government Health.
"HPV is the virus that causes cervical cancer which is the second most prevalent cancer among women after breast cancer. The vaccination protects girls from being infected by HPV and reduces the risk of developing HPV-related cervical cancer later in life.
"The vaccine is offered to girls aged nine years and older as this is a good age for the body’s immune system to respond to the vaccine, resulting in the production of protective antibodies against the virus," said Ferreira.
Western Cape minister of health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, stated: "It is imperative that we encourage parents to vaccinate their daughters. Maternal and child health forms part of the quadruple burden of disease. The focus is prevention and promotion rather than curative. That is why we appeal to all grade four girls to inform their parents, guardians and extended families that the vaccination is available."
The vaccine is offered to girls aged nine years and older as this is a good age for the body’s immune system to respond to the vaccine, resulting in the production of protective antibodies against the virus.
Mbombo said the HPV vaccine is an investment in the future health of South African women.
The vaccination is administered by a professional team that will visit all public and special schools in the province.
It is administered in two doses. The vaccination will only be administered to those girls who have signed consent forms, are already nine years old and that attend a government or special needs school.
"The public are often mislead by opinions on vaccinations on social media platforms. ‘Do not let your child become one of the 5 743 woman that get cervical cancer annually because you choose to believe opinions above sound medical research,’ said Dr Tertius Ackerman, clinical manager for the George subdistrict.
The vaccination campaign is a free service and like all vaccines is aimed at improving the health of your child and the community as a whole.
Round two will be from 7 August to 14 September 2018, so please ensure that you sign the consent form when you receive it.
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