The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness encourages all parents to be on the lookout for consent forms that will be sent home for their children to receive the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine.
HPV is the virus that causes cervical cancer. The department explained that the vaccine does not contain any live virus or DNA from the virus, so it cannot cause cancer or other HPV-related illnesses. The vaccine does not affect fertility. It is also not used to treat HPV infections or diseases caused by HPV, but rather to prevent the development of cancers, as outlined by the World Health Organisation.
More than 1200 schools are visited annually in the Western Cape to administer the vaccine, with strong support from parents and communities to safeguard their children’s futures. As part of the HPV campaign, the National Department of Health has directed that Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (TDaP) vaccine boosters be administered to all eligible children, both boys and girls. This campaign aims to boost protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough by offering a TDaP booster to all Grade 5 learners. It helps prevent outbreaks and supports ongoing school-based vaccination. All that’s needed is a signed consent form. The second round of the school-based vaccination campaign will end on 30 September 2025.
“Parents may have questions about safety and what to expect after vaccination. The vaccines administered at our schools and clinics are safe and have been tested. These vaccination campaigns are not new, and we welcome questions from parents and communities. Like any vaccine, some children might have mild side effects such as redness, swelling, or pain where the injection was given, a mild fever, or feeling a bit tired. These usually go away on their own within a day or two. Serious reactions are very rare. If you’re worried about how your child reacts, please speak to your clinic or doctor,” explained the department in a recent media statement.
