Gauteng Launches HPV Vaccination Campaign. 24 000 Girls Missed Previously

The Gauteng Department of Health launched its HPV vaccination campaign on 3 August 2026, running until 9 October 2026, targeting Grade 5 girls aged 9 years and older across public, independent and special schools. Officials confirmed that more than 24 000 girls missed the vaccine during the previous campaign due to unreturned consent forms, learner absence, or schools not accommodating vaccination teams.

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading cancers affecting South African women despite being almost entirely preventable through HPV vaccination and screening. The vaccine is provided free of charge by trained healthcare teams visiting schools. Girls aged 12 and older may provide their own consent. Written parental permission is required for girls under 12.

Officials urged parents not to delay. Sign and return the consent form as soon as it arrives so your daughter is protected from a cancer that may appear decades from now.

What you need to know

Who: Grade 5 girls, age 9 and older

• What: Free HPV vaccine that protects against cervical cancer
• Where: At school. No need to travel to a clinic
• What is needed: Signed consent form from parent or guardian for girls under 12

When: Campaign runs August to October 2026

What you can do

Look for the yellow or green consent form in your daughter's school bag. Ask her teacher if you have not received one. Sign it and return it the next day. If your daughter was absent during the visit, ask the school when the vaccination team will return.

Sources

Every claim on this page is traceable. These are the documents it rests on.

1. Scrolla Lite 3 August 2026