Decline in Newborns Creates Surplus Funds For Vaccine Purchases (AI Translation)

【周刊提前读】新生儿减少疫苗采购款结余 扩充免费疫苗迎机会窗口

China's national immunization program, stagnant for 17 years, is at a pivotal point as discussions about expanding it gain momentum [para. 1]. The program currently includes 14 vaccines that prevent 15 diseases, but has not been updated with new vaccines since 2008 despite the availability of internationally recommended vaccines like PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) and HPV (human papillomavirus vaccine) [para. 1][para. 5]. In contrast, countries like Indonesia have rapidly incorporated these vaccines into their national programs [para. 3].

The World Health Organization's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), launched in 1974, aimed to universalize life-saving vaccines globally. China responded in 1978 by starting its National Immunization Program (NIP), which saw significant expansions until 2007 [para. 4]. Despite this progress, including the successful eradication of polio in 2000 and a hepatitis B positivity rate of less than 1% among children under five due to vaccinations started in 2002, the inclusion of new vaccines has stalled [para. 4][para. 5].

The stagnation is partly due to high costs and public misconceptions about non-program vaccines, which are not free and must be paid for by citizens. These factors contribute to lower vaccination coverage rates compared to global averages [para. 6]. Proposals to include more modern vaccines like HPV and Hib have been repeatedly submitted during sessions of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference but have yet to result in changes to the immunization schedule [para. 6].

Financially, there is now an opportunity for expansion. The decline in birth rates has led to significant savings in vaccine procurement funds—over one billion yuan—which could potentially be redirected towards incorporating new vaccines into the NIP [para. 7][para. 8]. Additionally, local governments have begun using surplus funds for expanding vaccine types available for free or switching existing ones within their programs [para. 9].

Experts argue that integrating more vaccines into the national program would not only utilize existing healthcare infrastructure more efficiently but also address public health needs more effectively. For instance, diseases preventable by PCV continue to cause significant child mortality rates despite China having capabilities to produce this vaccine domestically [para. 10].

Looking ahead, discussions on how best to finance these expansions continue. Suggestions include leveraging medical insurance systems and optimizing funding models to ensure sustainable development of the national immunization program. This approach would align with international practices where health insurance often covers vaccination costs [para. 11][para. 12].

In summary, while China once led in immunization efforts globally, it now faces challenges in updating its program with newer vaccines essential for public health. The potential redirection of saved funds along with strategic financial planning could provide a pathway forward for expanding vaccine coverage nationally[para. 13].