Picture: North West MEC for Health, Madoda sambatha
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said his department is commemorating a Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month by rolling out the first round of the Human Papiloma Virua (HPV) vaccination. Sambatha said the roll-out has commenced on 6 until 20 February 2024 in all primary schools across the province.
He further said the HPV is a viral infection that is transmitted between people through skin-to-skin contact. Sambatha added that, the infection occurs when the virus enters the body, usually through a cut or sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
“The HPV vaccination is most effective if given before having sex for the first time and is therefore recommended for children aged between 9 and 14 years and is available in all our primary health care facilities. The vaccine prevents certain types of HPV that cause most cases of genital warts and cervical cancer.
“Children aged between 11 and 12 years, should get two doses of HPV vaccine, given 6 to 12 months apart. Parents and guardians of unvaccinated teenagers are advised to consult their nearest healthcare facility as soon as possible. Teenagers who start the HPV vaccine series on or after their 15th birthday, require three doses, administered over six months,” he said.
Sambatha said the HPV infections often have no symptoms, so people may not know if they have it. He said where symptoms do appear, will vary depending on the strain of HPV.
“One of the most common strains of HPV is genital warts. Many people with this strain of HPV will not develop any symptoms or know that they have it. Symptoms of genital warts include one or more small, flesh-coloured or grey painless growths or lumps around the vagina, penis, anus, or upper thighs. Itching or bleeding from the genitals or anus and a change to the normal flow of pee (for example, sideways), that doesn’t go away.
“The warts may be difficult to notice if they are internal (inside the vagina or anus). So, we urge parents and caregivers to sign consent forms for vaccination to be administered to their children at schools through the school health outreach programme,” said Sambatha.
He said the vaccine is available through all clinics and at school-based clinics. Sambatha said children must be immunized at an early age to avoid the future burden of diseases that could have been prevented through vaccines.
The Guardian 