China plans to add HPV vaccine to national immunization program, expanding coverage for females

BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- China plans to roll out human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination services for females of eligible age and incorporate the vaccine into the national immunization program this year, the National Health Commission announced Thursday.

Under China's Vaccine Management Law, the country implements a national immunization program that provides residents with program vaccines free of charge.

In recent years, a growing number of local governments have begun providing free domestic HPV vaccinations to girls, mainly adolescents aged 9 to 14.

Calls to add HPV vaccines to China's national immunization program have increased in recent years, driven by the wider availability of affordable domestic vaccines and the mounting burden of cervical cancer.

HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer and a major threat to women's health. Health experts believe vaccination remains the most effective and affordable way to prevent infection and lower the risk of cervical cancer and related diseases. ■