Impact of National Immunization Strategies on Vaccine-Preventable Diseases - China, 1950-2021.

ABSTRACT

What is already known about this topic? The incidences of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) included in the Expanded Program on Immunization in China have decreased significantly in recent decades. What is added by this report? This study summarizes the national incidences of nine VPDs and the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) under different immunization strategies from 1950 through 2021 in China. The sharpest decreases in VPD incidence and under-5-year HBsAg seroprevalence occurred during the latest stage of the National Immunization Program. The decreases in VPD incidence were most prominent among children under five years of age. What are the implications for public health practice? These findings provide valuable insights for vaccine value assessment and emphasize the importance of implementing immunization strategies in targeted populations.