1. The introduction of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a major public health milestone for South Africa. The HPV vaccination programme aims to protect girls against cancer of the cervix (CaCx). Every year, over 5 743 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and a further 3 027 die from related complications. The availability of an effective vaccine against the most prevalent high risk types of HPV has made it possible to protect women against cervical cancer, which is currently the most common cancer among women in South Africa.
2. The HPV vaccine should be given before becoming sexually active or exposed to the HPV infection. Therefore, it is recommended for use in girls aged 9 to 15. Studies on the cost-effectiveness of the HPV vaccine have shown that the vaccination of this age group will substantially reduce the incidence of CaCx associated with vaccine related HPV types, if more than 70% of girls receive the vaccine.
3. The HPV vaccination will be delivered through the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP). The Basic Education and Health Departments are collaborating on this national programme, whilst the Western Cape Education Department and Western Cape Health Department are working in close co-operation to reach the provincial target population. The Department of Social Development will offer support as far as it is appropriate.
4. The target population is young girls currently in Grade 4, who are aged 9 or older, in all ordinary public schools. This includes girls who are in special schools, where all girls aged 9 will be vaccinated. Grade 4 girls in private schools and girls who are not attending school are not targeted by the HPV vaccination programme. There will be no catch up for older girls and therefore girls who are in grades higher than Grade 4 will not receive the vaccine. The district will develop plans for reaching learners in the target population who may have missed a vaccine for some reason, e.g. being absent on the day of the campaign. Parents and guardians of girls in private schools and of older girls (up to 20 years of age), who are not yet sexually active, are encouraged to have them vaccinated by private health service providers.
5. The HPV vaccine will be provided at schools through a campaign-like setup, conducted as an outreach to schools annually. Health Workers (vaccination teams) will visit schools twice a year to ensure that each Grade 4 girl receives two doses, with a 6 month interval in-between. It is planned that the first dose will be administered to all Grade 4 girls (aged 9 or older) during the month of March to April 2014; the second dose during September to October 2014. Subsequent years will follow a similar pattern.
6. Principals are requested to make these information sheets and consent forms available to school governing bodies, teachers, parents and guardians. The Department of Health and Basic Education will assist in this matter. Consent forms need to be made available to vaccination teams upon their visit. Please retain all consent forms for the second round of vaccinations. Only learners with signed consent forms may receive the vaccines.


SIGNED: PA VINJEVOLD
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2014:02:27