Opportunities and challenges for human papillomavirus vaccination in China

ABSTRACT

Current estimates of the HPV infection rate in China vary by geographic region (9.6–23.6%), with two age peaks in prevalence in women ≤20–25 years of age and 50–60 years of age. HPV-16, 52 and 58 are the most commonly-detected HPV genotypes in the Chinese population. In China, five HPV vaccines are licensed and several others are undergoing clinical trials. Multiple RCTs have shown the efficacy and safety of the bvHPV (Cervarix), Escherichia coli-produced bvHPV (Cecolin), Pichia pastoris-produced bvHPV (Walrinvax), qvHPV (Gardasil) and 9vHPV (Gardasil-9) vaccines in Chinese populations, including two studies showing long-term efficacy (≥8 years) for the bvHPV and qvHPV vaccines. Real-world data from China are scarce. Although modeling studies in China show HPV vaccination is cost-effective, uptake and population coverage are relatively low. Various policies have been implemented to raise awareness and increase vaccine coverage, with the long-term aim of eliminating cervical cancer in China.

KEYWORDS:

• Cervical cancer
• human papillomavirus
• vaccination
• long-term efficacy
• knowledge
• attitudes
• practices

Acknowledgments

Medical writing support was provided by Stephanie Carter on behalf of Rude Health Consulting Limited and funded by MSD China.

Author contributions statement

Chao Zhao conducted the literature search and interpreted the findings, wrote sections of the initial draft and provided substantial intellectual contributions to the subsequent drafts. Yun Zhao conducted the literature search, interpreted the findings and provided substantial intellectual contributions during revision of manuscript drafts. Jingran Li, and Mingzhu Li interpreted the findings and provided substantial intellectual contributions during the revision of manuscript drafts. Yujing Shi conceived and planned the review, conducted the literature search, wrote sections of the initial draft and provided substantial intellectual contributions during revision of manuscript drafts. Lihui Wei conceived and planned the review, interpreted the findings and provided substantial intellectual contributions during revision of manuscript drafts. All authors reviewed and approved the final submitted version and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work after publication.

Disclosure statement

Yujing Shi is employee of MSD China. All the other authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

Medical writing support was funded by MSD China.