[Explainer] Free HPV Shots for Girls Aged 13 and Over in Shanghai

China formally integrated the HPV vaccine for girls aged 13 and over into its National Immunization Program on November 10 in a move aimed at strengthening cervical cancer prevention nationwide.

Local health authorities will offer two doses of the bivalent HPV vaccine free of charge, spaced six months apart, to girls who turn 13 years old and were born on or after November 10, 2011.

Foreign nationals residing in Shanghai who meet the eligibility criteria can also receive the vaccination at no cost. Eligible individuals can register for the NIP HPV vaccine through the Health Cloud platform, known as Jiankangyun (健康云).

Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the female reproductive system, and it is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV.

The HPV vaccine works by preventing initial HPV infection and reducing persistent infections, thereby blocking the development of precancerous lesions and effectively preventing cervical cancer.

Studies indicate that girls aged 9 to 14 generate more than twice the antibody levels after vaccination compared with people aged 15 and above, and the protection can last for at least 10 years.

Therefore, getting vaccinated at age 13 provides stronger and longer-lasting immune protection.

When receiving the HPV vaccine, eligible girls must be accompanied by a guardian and bring their vaccination record, as well as valid identification documents (such as a passport), to the vaccination clinic.

Registration steps (Take WeChat for example)

• Search for the Health Cloud mini program
• Tap Wisdom Vaccination
• Select Make an appointment to get vaccinated
• Link your passport information
• Choose the free bivalent HPV vaccine
• Follow the instructions on the page to choose your vaccination site and appointment time.
• After you submit the information, your appointment will be confirmed.

The following instructions are made using WeChat's built-in translation tool.

Remember to visit the clinic during your scheduled appointment time. Scan the code to get your queue number – your number will be called by the system.