HPV疫苗现在可用于多个中国城市的男性

中国的几个城市, 包括上海, 南京, Suzhou, Fuzhou, 和成都, 最近开始提供人乳头瘤病毒 (人乳头瘤病毒) 男性居民的疫苗. 这一发展标志着将HPV预防努力扩大到女性人口之外的重要一步.

虽然HPV通常与女性宫颈癌有关, medical experts stress that vaccinating males plays a crucial role in reducing transmission and preventing HPV-related diseases in men.

The quadrivalent HPV vaccine, developed by the pharmaceutical company Merck, was officially approved for use in males on the Chinese mainland on January 8. This vaccine provides protection against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 和 18. It is available to individuals aged 9 到 26 for males and 9 到 45 for females. The full vaccination schedule consists of three doses, with each shot priced at approximately 800 元 ($109).

Why HPV Vaccination for Males Matters

While high-risk HPV strains are widely recognized as the leading cause of cervical cancer in women, the impact of HPV on men is often overlooked. According to Dr. Sui Long, chief physician at the cervical disease diagnosis and treatment center of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, certain HPV strains also contribute to significant health risks in males.

“HPV types 6 和 11 account for nearly 90 percent of genital warts, while HPV types 16 和 18 are linked to about 90 percent of anal cancers,” 博士. Sui explained. 而且, since routine HPV screenings for men are not widely available, infections and related diseases are often detected at more advanced stages.

Recent studies suggest that the HPV infection rate among men in China may be higher than that of women. Data from a U.S.-based study estimated that men with at least one heterosexual partner have a lifetime HPV infection probability of 91.3 百分, compared to 84.6 percent in women.

Optimal Vaccination Timing for Males

Huang Zhuoying, deputy director of the Institute of Immunization at the Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasized the importance of vaccinating males before they reach peak infection rates. “The highest risk of initial HPV infection in males occurs between 18 和 24 岁,” 博士. Huang stated. “Receiving the vaccine before this age window offers the best protection.”

Beyond genital infections, HPV can also affect the mouth, 喉, and skin, leading to tumors and other serious conditions. 在男性, the virus spreads primarily through sexual contact and direct skin or mucosal contact.

Public Health Impact of Gender-Inclusive Vaccination

Experts believe that broadening HPV vaccination coverage to include both males and females will have far-reaching public health benefits. “Including males in vaccination programs will substantially lower HPV transmission rates, reduce the financial burden of screenings and treatments, and accelerate progress toward eliminating cervical cancer,” 博士. Huang added.

Eligible males can schedule vaccination appointments at designated community health centers and hospitals.

China’s Commitment to HPV Prevention

In line with global health initiatives, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a strategy in 2020 to eliminate cervical cancer. The plan aims for 90 percent of girls to be vaccinated by age 15, 70 percent of women to be screened by ages 35 和 45, 和 90 percent of women diagnosed with cervical disease to receive timely treatment by 2030.

China introduced its own action plan in 2023, setting similar goals to enhance HPV prevention and control nationwide.

By extending HPV vaccination to males, China is taking a crucial step toward reducing overall infection rates and safeguarding public health for future generations.