China adds HPV vaccine to national immunization program

 
BEIJING - China will include the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in its national immunization program starting from Nov. 10, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration announced on Thursday.

The decision was made in a bid to reduce the burden of HPV-infected diseases and better satisfy the needs of prevention and safeguarding people's health.

Since November 10, girls aged 13 can receive two doses of bivalent HPV vaccines free of charge, with a 6-month interval between two doses, according to a circular issued by the administration.

HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer and a major threat to women's health. Over recent years, the cervical cancer incidence rate has been rising in China, and incidence rates among younger groups have also grown, making strengthened disease prevention more important than ever.

Health experts believe vaccination remains the most effective and affordable way to prevent infection and lower the risk of cervical cancer and related diseases.

Under China's Vaccine Management Law, the country has implemented a national immunization program that provides certain vaccines to residents free of charge.

Research has revealed that after vaccination, girls aged between 9 and 14 can produce more than double the level of antibodies compared to girls aged 15 and above, and vaccine efficacy can last as long as 10 years. Given this research, the nationwide free vaccination campaign for girls aged 13 is expected to ensure an effective and enduring shield for female health.

Currently, both domestic and imported HPV vaccines are on the market in China. The country's first homegrown nine-valent HPV vaccine was administered for the first time in September.

Notably, clinical data shows that the HPV vaccines already on the Chinese market can prevent more than 70 percent of cervical cancer cases.