This editorial, co-authored by four guest editors, summarized the thematic series “Advancing China’s National Immunization Program: Improving its Effectiveness and Sustainability” published in Infectious Diseases of Poverty, led by the innovation Laboratory for Vaccine Delivery Research (VaxLab). The editorial discussed the implementation of China’s national immunization program and the coverage of key non-immunization vaccines, with an emphasis on strategies to improve vaccine coverage. In addition, the editorial mentioned the VaxLab’s future focus areas, including vaccine financing, diversity, equity and inclusiveness of immunization coverage, and maternal vaccination. VaxLab’s research work will be expanded beyond China to Southeast Asian and the WHO Western Pacific region, particularly to address challenges that middle-income countries faced in vaccine financing and delivery.
Factors affecting caregivers’ HPV vaccination decisions for adolescent girls: A secondary analysis of a Chinese RCT
This research, led by Prof. Jing Li from Sichuan University, in collaboration with Prof. Dan Wu from Nanjing Medical University, was published in PLOS ONE. Based on a randomized controlled trial conducted in Chengdu, China, the study investigated key factors influencing caregivers’ actions to vaccinate adolescent girls against HPV. The results highlighted the significant role of a novel “pay-it-forward” intervention in doubling HPV vaccine uptake. Other factors, including caregivers’ knowledge, intention to delay vaccination, occupational status, and prior vaccine refusal, were also strongly associated with vaccination behavior. Recommendations to promote universal and equitable access to HPV vaccine through targeted health education, financial support and community engagement.