Gauteng health department urges parents to return HPV consent forms ahead of school campaign

The Gauteng Department of Health is appealing to parents, caregivers and guardians to sign and return consent forms so eligible learners can receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine during an upcoming school-based campaign.

What the department is asking

The department said the campaign will run from 3 August to 9 October 2026 at participating independent primary schools across Gauteng, after which vaccination teams will visit outstanding public primary and special schools. No learner will be vaccinated without a signed consent form, although learners aged 12 years and older may provide their own consent in accordance with national health guidelines.

Who is eligible and what the vaccine offers

The HPV vaccine will be offered to all eligible Grade 5 girls aged 9 years and older, including those who missed previous opportunities. The department said a single dose provides effective protection against HPV infection and significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer later in life. The vaccine used in the public programme is Cervarix, which the department described as safe and highly effective against high-risk HPV strains.

Coverage so far and where uptake lagged

During the 2025/26 implementation period the department reported wide reach in public schools and lower coverage in the independent sector. Of 1,500 targeted public schools, 1,498 were reached, resulting in 72,249 Grade 5 girls vaccinated. In the independent school sector, 530 of 664 targeted schools (79.8%) were reached, with 9,740 Grade 5 girls vaccinated. Public schools recorded a learner coverage rate of 80%, compared to 37.7% in independent schools.

Barriers the department identified

The department named several challenges that affected uptake, particularly in independent schools: schools declining access to vaccination teams; learner absenteeism on vaccination days, which affected 1,830 learners; and the non-return of 24,327 parental consent forms. It also cited misinformation and vaccine hesitancy as contributors to lower vaccination rates in some schools.

Department response and appeal

Spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department, together with the Gauteng Department of Education, has strengthened stakeholder engagement, intensified community education and improved collaboration with schools to boost participation and uptake. Mabona emphasised the importance of parental and community support, urging parents and guardians to read information sent by schools, complete consent forms and return them promptly so eligible learners do not miss the chance to receive protection against cervical cancer.

Public health note

The department referenced research showing substantial benefits from high HPV vaccination coverage, noting a recent study found a large reduction in infections caused by HPV types 16 and 18 among vaccinated young women.