High uptake of Gardasil vaccine among 9 - 12-year-old schoolgirls participating in an HPV vaccination demonstration project in KwaZulu-Natal Province

Abstract

Corresponding author : I Moodley (moodleyi15@ukzn.ac.za) Background. Cervical cancer is linked to infection of the cervix by oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes. The quadrivalent Gardasil vaccine (against HPV types 6,11, 16, 18), recommended in girls 9 -12 years of age, has been shown to be safe, immunogenic and efficacious, with minimal or no side-effects. Aim. To demonstrate the capacity of school health teams to carry out vaccinations within a school environment. Objectives. To assess the uptake of 3 doses of the vaccine, document lessons learnt and provide recommendations for a national rollout of school-based HPV vaccination for learners. Methods. Female learners (age 9 -12 years) from 31 primary schools in Nongoma and Ceza districts (KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa) were identified for inclusion in the vaccination programme. The 3 doses of vaccine were administered by existing school health teams. Education and training sessions were held with all stakeholders: provincial departments of health and education; school health teams; primary healthcare nurses; hospital doctors and nurses; private practitioners; school principals, teachers and governing bodies; parents; and community and traditional leaders. Results. The overall uptake of the vaccine was found to be high: 99.7%, 97.9% and 97.8% for the first, second and third doses respectively (N=963). No adverse events were attributed to the HPV vaccine. Conclusion. This project demonstrated the successful implementation of HPV vaccination among learners (ages 9 -12 years) using school health teams.

The Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Screen (VACCS) project: Linking cervical cancer screening to HPV vaccination in the South-West District of Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa

“…Moodley et al [15] reported overall HPV vaccine uptake in an implementation study in KwaZulu-Natal Province, SA, of 99.7%, 97.9% and 97.8% for the first, second and third vaccination doses, respectively. These data represent the uptake and completion rates of those who consented, but uptake as a proportion of girls available for vaccination was not provided.…”

Interventions to Improve HPV Vaccine Uptake: A Systematic Review

“…High rates of completion were described in local governments of South Africa (97.8%), 70 Tanzania (78.7%), 76 and Brazil (73%). 68 All included an education campaign and free HPVV.…”

Acceptability of human papillomavirus vaccination among academics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

“…A pilot study conducted in 39 schools in KwaZulu-Natal province reported a high completion rate of three doses of HPV vaccination. 11 To make the vaccination a success, all stakeholders in the country need to contribute in this regard, and university academics have a significant role to play. For example, they can provide accurate knowledge to their students and recommend vaccinating against this preventable disease.…”