By Fineline Cube 
At a State Council Information Office press conference, Deputy Director of the National Health Commission (NHC) and Director of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (NDCPA), Shen Hongbing, announced that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine will be incorporated into China’s National Immunization Program (NIP) within the year. The move will provide free vaccinations to eligible girls nationwide, expanding on pilot efforts already underway in Guangdong, Hainan, and Shandong.
What the Announcement Means
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Program Inclusion | HPV vaccine added to the 2025 NIP schedule |
| Target Group | Eligible girls (typically 9‑14 years; exact age brackets to be finalized) |
| Funding | Fully government‑funded; no out‑of‑pocket cost for recipients |
| Implementation Roadmap | Roll‑out to begin in 2026, with phased expansion to all provinces |
Current Vaccine Landscape in China
China has six licensed HPV vaccines, spanning bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent formulations:
| Vaccine | Manufacturer | Type | Current Market Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cecolin | Wantai Bio | Bivalent | Widely procured in Shandong at < 100 RMB/dose |
| Wozehui | Walvax | Bivalent | Available, used in pilot programs |
| Cervarix | GSK | Bivalent | Licensed, used in select regions |
| Gardasil 4 | MSD | Quadrivalent | Licensed, limited use |
| Gardasil 9 | MSD | Nonavalent | Licensed, used in pilot programs |
| Cecolin 9 | Wantai Bio | Nonavalent | Newly approved, entering procurement |
Domestic bivalent vaccines have already secured procurement bids in provinces such as Shandong, with unit prices falling below 100 RMB, making them highly cost‑effective for mass immunization.
Policy Context & Regional Pilots
- Pilot Success – Guangdong, Hainan, and Shandong have successfully offered free HPV shots to eligible girls, demonstrating logistical feasibility and public acceptance.
- National Scale‑Up – The NIP integration is expected to standardize delivery, training, and monitoring across all 34 provincial administrations.
- Health Impact – Experts predict a significant drop in cervical‑cancer incidence over the next decade, aligning with China’s 2030 health‑system goals.
Stakeholder Reactions
- Health Officials – Emphasized commitment to women’s health and cancer prevention.
- Vaccine Manufacturers – Anticipate increased demand; local producers see a boost in domestic market share.
- Public – Positive reception, especially among parents in pilot provinces who have seen the benefits of free vaccination.-Fineline Info & Tech