Core Viewpoint - The low vaccination rate of PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) in China poses significant public health challenges, with a need for increased awareness and education regarding its importance in preventing severe pneumococcal diseases in children [1][3][4]. Group 1: Current Situation and Statistics - The vaccination rate for the 3-dose PCV in Chinese children is only 7.3%, which is significantly lower than international levels [1]. - Over 20% of healthy children in China carry pneumococcus, and the country accounts for 12% of global cases of pneumococcal disease in children under 5 years old, second only to India [2]. - Approximately 8,000 children under 5 die annually from pneumococcal diseases in China, with a notable percentage of severe cases linked to influenza [2]. Group 2: Challenges in Treatment and Vaccination - The treatment of pneumococcal diseases faces three main challenges: irrational medication use, high drug resistance, and significant economic burden [3]. - In 2021, only 16.13% of infants in China completed the full primary vaccination series for PCV, and 12.47% received a booster dose [3]. Group 3: Public Awareness and Market Potential - There is a significant gap in public understanding of the PCV vaccine, often referred to simply as a "pneumonia vaccine," which limits awareness of its broader protective benefits against various severe diseases [4]. - The market size for pneumococcal vaccines in China grew from 1.4 billion to 8.6 billion from 2015 to 2021, with projections estimating it will reach 43.8 billion by 2030 [4]. Group 4: Recommendations for Improvement - Local pilot programs for vaccination could provide valuable insights and support for nationwide implementation, similar to the successful rollout of the HPV vaccine [5].

Core Points - There are increasing signals indicating that China may restart the expansion of its National Immunization Program (NIP) to include more free vaccines after 18 years since the last adjustment [1][3] - Government officials and technical experts have revealed that research and discussions regarding the expansion of the immunization program have begun, with a focus on optimizing vaccine types based on disease burden and cost-effectiveness [1][2] - The NIP has not included new vaccines for 18 years, and there is a need to align with international standards and recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) [3][4] Group 1: Policy and Strategy - The National Health Commission's deputy director mentioned plans to dynamically adjust and optimize the NIP, focusing on adding vaccines that are widely recognized, cost-effective, and meet demand [1][2] - The NIP aims to gradually reduce the gap between domestic immunization practices and international standards, with a five-year plan in place [2][3] - The expansion of the NIP is expected to consider various factors, including disease prevention needs, vaccine characteristics, economic benefits, and funding levels [2][3] Group 2: Current Vaccination Landscape - Four vaccines recommended by WHO (Hib, PCV, HPV, RV) are currently not included in China's NIP, which has led to a focus on these vaccines in discussions about future expansions [3][4] - The current NIP primarily covers children under six, lacking vaccines suitable for adults and vulnerable populations [3][4] - The incidence of several infectious diseases has significantly decreased in China due to previous expansions of the NIP, highlighting the importance of including new vaccines [3][4] Group 3: Vaccine-Specific Insights - Hib vaccine targets a common respiratory pathogen and is crucial for preventing severe outcomes in children under five [4][5] - PCV vaccine is essential for preventing pneumonia-related diseases, particularly in vulnerable populations [4][5] - HPV vaccine is vital for preventing cervical cancer, which is a significant health issue in China, with a high incidence rate among women [4][5] - RV vaccine is critical for preventing severe gastroenteritis in young children, with significant hospitalization rates due to infections [5] Group 4: Equity and Accessibility - The principle of equity in vaccine access is emphasized, with a focus on ensuring that all children, regardless of socioeconomic status, can receive vaccinations [6][10] - Local policies providing free HPV vaccines have created disparities in access, highlighting the need for a national approach to ensure uniform coverage [6][9] - The sustainability of local vaccination programs is questioned, as they may not provide long-term stability compared to a national immunization strategy [9][10]