​School girls in Grade 5, 6 and 7 who are aged 9 years to 15 years in private schools can now get the single dose of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to protect them against cervical cancer later in life. 

Ten years into the implementation of the School-Based HPV Vaccination Campaign by the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) for girls aged 9 years and above in public primary and special schools the service has now been extended to cover children in private schools. This includes a basket of services offered under the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP). 

Similar to public school, parents of learners in private schools are encouraged to sign consent forms to give permission for their girl child to be vaccinated and protected from cervical cancer caused by HPV type 16 and 18. 

The second phase of the HPV vaccination campaign started on 1 October and will end of 15 November. In Gauteng private schools, only the HPV vaccination will be administered during this period while in public primary schools, a booster dose of Tetanus Diphtheria and Pertuses (Tdap) vaccine will also be given to the Grade 5 boys and girls. The Tdap vaccine prevents Tdap disease outbreaks in communities, particularly among adolescents. It is safe to give Tdap simultaneously with the HPV vaccine. 

Between February and March 2024 during phase one of the HPV vaccination campaign, the GDoH’s Integrated School Health Nurses managed to administer Single Doses of HPV vaccine (using Cervarix vaccine) to a total of 74 359 (84.6%) of Grade 5 girl learners out of the targeted 87 910 learners in public primary and special schools. 

The department provides a comprehensive package of ISHP services to learners in public primary, secondary and special schools to targeted grades which include Grade 1, 4, 8, 10 and selected learners as per their educational phase. The ISHP health service package includes the provision of health education, health assessments and appropriate referral for further management. 

The targeted learners will receive services such as oral health, eye care, hearing and ear care, speech, nutritional assessments and physical assessment for gross and fine motor skills. The ISHP also includes screening for long term health conditions including TB screening, addressing mental health and psychosocial issues, provision of onsite services like deworming, immunisations, counselling and referral for sexual reproductive services, as well as substance abuse and suicide referrals. 

Schools that want to make further enquiries about the programme can reach out to the district-based coordinators as follows: 

• Central Office – Ms Marousi Mzondi on 071 686 5595 or Marousi.Mzondi@gauteng.gov.za 

• Johannesburg – Ms Mogase Thuso on 071 234 6338 or Mogase.Thuso@gauteng.gov.za

• Ekurhuleni – Ms Kedibone Monyanyedi on 060 5679 246 or Kedibone.Moyanyedi@gauteng.gov.za 

• Tshwane – Ms Mary Mlangeni on 083 453 3920 or Mary.Mlangeni@gauteng.gov.za 

• West Rand – Ms Lizzy Phiri on 073 870 9352 or Lizzy.Phiri@gauteng.gov.za 

• Sedibeng – Ms Doreen Langa on 060 539 1798 or Doreen.Langa@gauteng.gov.za 

Ends// 

Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health