April 24 (Shanghai) – As the 40th “National Children’s Vaccination Day” approaches, an expert from the Shanghai Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated in an interview on the 23rd: “Vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) can prevent infection from multiple high-risk HPV types and can prevent the majority of cervical cancer cases.”
It is known that cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the female reproductive system, and the disease burden is relatively heavy. Timely HPV vaccination can effectively reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.
The expert pointed out that the cause of cervical cancer is relatively clear, mainly due to persistent infection with high-risk HPV types. For younger age groups, early vaccination and early protection are key. Completing vaccination before exposure to the virus yields the best results.
It was learned on the 23rd that Shanghai is currently implementing a dual-track model of “national immunization program plus local beneficial activities” to provide diverse HPV vaccination options and benefits for people of different ages and needs, striving to turn the principle of “prevention first” from a slogan into action and enhance health protection.
On one hand, starting from November 10, 2025, the HPV vaccine has been officially included in the national immunization program, providing two free doses of the bivalent HPV vaccine to the target group—girls born after November 10, 2011, who have reached the age of 13. Shanghai has already initiated free HPV vaccination for eligible girls under the national immunization program and established a convenient appointment and vaccination service system.
On the other hand, Shanghai recently introduced a limited-time beneficial policy for the nine-valent HPV vaccine (imported). Under this policy, Shanghai residents receiving the imported nine-valent HPV vaccine can obtain reductions in related dose fees. The policy requires the first dose to be completed by September 30, 2026, and the full vaccination course to be completed by March 31, 2027.
The expert explained that multiple studies have found that individuals aged 9 to 14 produce antibody levels more than twice as high as those aged 15 and older after HPV vaccination, and the duration can exceed 10 years. Therefore, younger age groups are prioritized for vaccination. A deputy section chief from the Huangpu District Dapuqiao Street Community Health Service Center introduced that eligible individuals, such as women aged 9 to 26, women aged 35 to 45, and men aged 16 to 26, who have not been vaccinated against HPV and have no contraindications, can voluntarily participate.
It is noted that HPV types 16, 52, and 58 are the most common high-risk types infecting Chinese women, accounting for a very high proportion of cervical cancer cases in China. Research shows that HPV infection in Chinese women exhibits a “bimodal distribution” pattern: the first peak occurs between ages 17 and 24, and the second peak between ages 40 and 44.
According to the expert, regarding the supply of HPV vaccines, Shanghai currently offers both immunization program vaccines and non-immunization program vaccines. Residents can schedule vaccinations based on their needs. With several types of HPV vaccines available on the market, how should people choose? The deputy section chief stated that there are three types of HPV vaccines approved for sale in China. Among them, the bivalent vaccine can prevent about 69% of cervical cancers, the quadrivalent vaccine can prevent about 90%, and the nine-valent vaccine can prevent about 92%. Early vaccination is key.
Currently, attention to HPV infection in men still needs to be increased. It is known that men can also develop malignant tumors and related diseases due to persistent infection with high-risk HPV types. After infection, men may transmit the virus to women, indirectly increasing the risk of related diseases in their sexual partners. The expert stated that HPV vaccination for men not only reduces their own risk of HPV infection but also lowers the likelihood of women being infected, further reducing women’s risk of cervical cancer.
Parents often have concerns such as whether a child who just turned 9 should receive the HPV vaccine, whether it will affect menstruation, or whether it will impact the child’s growth and development. In response, the deputy section chief explained that HPV vaccines approved for sale by the state meet safety standards, and the public need not worry. The earlier children are vaccinated, the better, especially for girls. Symptoms of HPV infection in men are relatively subtle, and it is recommended that boys start HPV vaccination at age 16. “Vaccinating children against HPV does not affect their adolescent development; instead, it serves as a health safeguard. Parents should not be concerned,” the deputy section chief pointed out.
On the same day, a woman surnamed Bei who came to the Huangpu District Dapuqiao Street Community Health
