RESUMEN
What is already known on this topic?: In China, there is limited data available on the use and coverage of the non-program, combined diphtheria, tetanus toxoid, acellular pertussis adsorbed, inactivated poliovirus and haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP-IPV/Hib) pentavalent vaccine, and its role as a substitute for the separately administered standalone program vaccines. What is added by this report?: We evaluated the use and coverage of the pentavalent vaccine in nine provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs) spanning eastern, central, and western China from 2019 to 2021. Initial use and coverage were low, but demonstrated annual growth albeit with regional and urban-rural discrepancies. The pentavalent vaccine was increasingly substituted for standalone vaccines over the course of this period. What are the implications for public health practice?: Parents in China are increasingly opting to replace the standard program vaccines with voluntarily purchased combination vaccines, particularly the pentavalent vaccine. The development of combination vaccines should thus be promoted in China, as it could enhance utilization and coverage rates, and decrease the economic burden.
RESUMEN
What is already known on this topic?: There is a lack of comprehensive data on the coverage of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in China. The limited published literature hampers our ability to accurately assess the current situation. What is added by this report?: This study aimed to determine the rates of HPV vaccine coverage based on data from the electronic vaccination registry reported to the China Immunization Information System between 2017 and 2022. While there was an increase in HPV vaccine coverage each year, the overall coverage remained below the optimal level. What are the implications for public health practice?: This study presents evidence of low HPV vaccine coverage when administered outside of a national immunization program. Therefore, it is recommended that the HPV vaccine be included in the National Immunization Program in order to meet the 2030 WHO target of achieving 90% vaccination coverage for girls by the age of 15.
RESUMEN
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.