Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-05-19 07:27Core Viewpoint - The price reduction trend for self-paid vaccines has reached the shingles vaccine, with significant price cuts observed in various regions of China, aiming to increase vaccination rates among the population [1][2]. Price Reduction and Promotional Activities - Since March 2023, the price of shingles vaccines in regions like Inner Mongolia, Shandong, Henan, and Chongqing has been halved compared to last year, with some areas offering "buy one get one free" promotions [2]. - The "2025 Domestic Shingles Vaccine Benefit Project" offers a half-price vaccination for residents over 40, reducing the original price from 1389 yuan to 704.5 yuan, saving 684.5 yuan [3]. - A promotional activity allows individuals to complete the first dose between May and August 2025 and the second dose by December 31, 2025, reducing the total cost from 3260 yuan to 1652 yuan [4][6]. Market Competition and Pricing Discrepancies - The two available shingles vaccines in China, one imported from GlaxoSmithKline and one domestic from Baike Biological, are experiencing inconsistent price reductions, leading to regional competition [7]. - In some areas, only the imported vaccine has seen a price drop, while the domestic vaccine remains at its original price [7]. Vaccination Rates and Challenges - The vaccination rate for shingles among adults aged 40 and older in China is extremely low, at only 0.79% as of September 2024, compared to 41.1% in the U.S. for those aged 60 and above [12][13]. - High self-paid prices are a significant barrier to increasing vaccination rates, with the cost of the imported vaccine previously equating to nearly a month's pension for retirees in cities like Guangzhou [14]. - There is a lack of awareness and understanding of shingles and its vaccine among the elderly, further limiting vaccination uptake [12][15]. Inventory and Sales Performance - Baike Biological has faced challenges with unsold inventory, leading to a significant increase in accounts receivable and inventory levels, indicating poor sales performance [8][9]. - GlaxoSmithKline's vaccine has seen a decline in expected sales, with procurement agreements being extended to 2029 due to underperformance [10][11]. Healthcare Infrastructure and Service Limitations - The current healthcare infrastructure for adult vaccination is inadequate, with insufficient resources and a lack of clear guidelines for adult immunization services [16]. - Many vaccination centers are not equipped to handle adult vaccinations, leading to a conservative approach in recommending vaccines to the elderly [16].