Girls will soon receive free HPV shots

China is set to introduce a groundbreaking public health initiative by including the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in its national immunization program starting November 10, 2025. This policy, announced by the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, will provide free HPV vaccinations to girls aged 13 and above, marking a significant step in the fight against cervical cancer, one of the most prevalent threats to women’s health globally. The initiative aims to reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases and enhance public health safeguards. HPV vaccination is recognized as the most cost-effective and efficient long-term strategy to mitigate the risk of cervical cancer, potentially preventing over 70% of cases. The bivalent HPV vaccine, chosen for its safety, efficacy, and availability, will be administered in two doses, six months apart, to girls born after November 10, 2011. This decision aligns with the World Health Organization’s recommendation to prioritize HPV vaccination for girls aged 9-14, tailored to China’s specific demographic and developmental context. The policy builds on earlier efforts, with 18 provincial-level regions already integrating HPV vaccination into local health programs. Local authorities will now focus on preparatory tasks, including assessing eligible populations, training vaccination staff, and updating immunization systems to ensure a smooth rollout. This initiative underscores China’s commitment to advancing public health and achieving the global goal of eliminating cervical cancer.