"How Much Does the Full Course of Three Shots of 9-Valent HPV Vaccine Cost? Who Are the Suitable Candidates for the 9-Valent HPV Vaccine?"

Nine-Valent HPV Vaccine Overview and Vaccination Guidelines

The nine-valent HPV vaccine, fully known as the nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccine, is one of the most extensive vaccines on the market covering HPV strains. It can prevent infections by nine high-risk and low-risk HPV types: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, significantly reducing the risks of cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, anal cancer, genital warts, and other diseases.

Cost of the Nine-Valent HPV Vaccine Series

The cost of the nine-valent HPV vaccine series varies by region and hospital in China. According to prices published by mainstream public hospitals, each dose of Merck's nine-valent HPV vaccine costs 1331 yuan, requiring a total of 3 doses, amounting to 3993 yuan. However, prices may fluctuate based on location and availability. Some hospitals may include vaccination service fees, slightly increasing the per-dose price.

Target Population for the Nine-Valent HPV Vaccine

The nine-valent HPV vaccine is suitable for females aged 9-45, offering protection against over 90% of cervical cancers and related diseases. In August 2022, the National Medical Products Administration of China approved the expansion of the target population from 16-26 years old to 9-45 years old, enabling more women to benefit from this vaccine.

Optimal Timing and Vaccination Schedule

The best time to receive the nine-valent HPV vaccine is before a woman's first sexual contact. This maximizes protection against HPV infections, thereby preventing cervical cancer and other diseases. The full vaccination schedule involves three doses administered at 0, 2, and 6 months, with intramuscular injections.

World Health Organization (WHO) Recommendations

WHO recommends prioritizing girls aged 9-14 who have not yet engaged in sexual activity, as vaccination at this age stimulates a stronger immune response and achieves optimal prevention before sexual debut. For those who have already received the bivalent or quadrivalent HPV vaccine, re-vaccination with the nine-valent version is not necessary as the bivalent vaccine covers the most relevant HPV types 16 and 18 for cervical cancer.

Precautions and Considerations

Contraindications: Before vaccination, women should ensure they have no severe immunosuppression, severe allergies, or acute fever. Pregnant and lactating women should avoid vaccination to prevent adverse effects on the fetus or infant.

Screening Prior to Vaccination: Women with a history of sexual activity are advised to undergo cervical cancer screening before HPV vaccination to ensure no pre-existing HPV infections.

Continuous Screening: Even after vaccination, regular cervical cancer and precancerous lesion screening is crucial. Vaccines do not eliminate all HPV infection risks, and ongoing screening remains an essential health measure.

Conclusion

The nine-valent HPV vaccine is a cost-effective and highly effective means of preventing cervical cancer and other diseases. For eligible women, timely vaccination is a vital choice for safeguarding their health.