China Begins Schoolgirl HPV Vaccination Program Nationwide This Year

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China is set to incorporate the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its national immunization program this year, marking the first significant expansion in 17 years. Starting this year, vaccination services targeting HPV will be available to school-aged girls, according to the Director of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration at a recent press conference.

This development indicates a strategic shift in China’s vaccination approach, evolving from a sole focus on childhood immunizations to broader disease prevention throughout an individual’s life. Multiple sources reveal that the initial rollout will utilize the bivalent HPV vaccine, prioritizing school-aged girls. Details regarding the administration setting—whether on school campuses—and the availability of catch-up vaccinations remain unclear.

The bivalent vaccine specifically targets HPV strains 16 and 18, responsible for approximately 70 to 80 percent of cervical cancer cases. Cervical cancer, which develops in the cervix and often presents no early symptoms, is strongly linked to HPV infection. According to a 2024 report by the National Cancer Center, China accounts for 23 percent of global cervical cancer cases and 16 percent of related deaths.

Several regions within China have already advanced their own HPV vaccination initiatives. As of last month, 18 provinces—including Guangdong, Hainan, and Fujian—along with cities like Zhengzhou, Ordos, and Shijiazhuang, have launched free HPV vaccination programs for school-aged girls. These efforts reach roughly 60 percent of Chinese girls aged 13 to 15, according to the National Health Commission.

Since 2021, China has increased its capacity for HPV vaccine production by approving two domestically developed bivalent vaccines. Clinical results demonstrate these vaccines offer strong immunogenicity, safety, and sustained antibody levels in girls aged 9 to 14 years. Several higher-valency vaccine candidates are currently in clinical trials.

Advancements in manufacturing have led to significant price reductions. The lowest bid for a domestically produced HPV vaccine now stands at CNY 27.5 (approximately USD 3.90) per dose, which is less than one-tenth of the original market price.