"Why Can the HPV 9-Valent Vaccine Be Administered Beyond Age 26 in Some Foreign Countries?"

The nine-valent HPV vaccine is administered according to the vaccination standards of the European Union in foreign countries, specifying an age range of 9 to 45 years. Hong Kong and Macao in China also follow the EU standards, allowing individuals over 26 years old to receive the vaccination. However, on August 30, 2022, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China approved the expansion of the eligible population for the imported nine-valent HPV vaccine from the original 16-26 years old to 9-45 years old, inclusive of females within this age range. Therefore, women over 26 years old in China can also make appointments for the nine-valent HPV vaccine. For specific information, please consult local Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), township health centers, or community health service centers.

Previously, the vaccination age limit for the imported nine-valent HPV vaccine in China was set at 16-26 years old, primarily because individuals within this age range exhibited a higher benefit from the vaccine than those in other age groups. Clinical studies of the nine-valent HPV vaccine, including those conducted on East Asian populations, have revealed that the vaccine provides sustained protection against viral infections for women within this age bracket, indicating that the benefits outweigh the risks. Nonetheless, on August 30, 2022, the NMPA approved the expansion of the eligible population for the imported nine-valent HPV vaccine from the original 16-26 years old to 9-45 years old.

Current clinical research data indicates that the imported nine-valent HPV vaccine offers the same protective effects for women aged 9-26 and 27-45 years old. The approved age range has been extended to 9-45 years old. While the previous age limit of 16-26 years old was primarily due to the higher benefit observed in this age group, the updated clinical data underscores the vaccine's efficacy across a broader age spectrum.

For women over 26 years old who wish to receive the nine-valent HPV vaccine, specific vaccination requirements can be inquired at local CDCs, township health centers, or community health service centers.