China updates immunization protocol, lowering DTaP age standard

China released the latest protocol for the national immunization program on Tuesday, confirming that two doses of two-valent human papillomavirus vaccines will be offered to 13-year-old girls for free nationwide.

The document, released by the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration and the National Health Commission, also states that the immunization schedule for the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine will be initiated at two months of age, rather than the previous standard of three months of age.

The nation announced the inclusion of the HPV vaccine into its national immunization program in September, aiming to broaden coverage of the vaccine that can protect against genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer.

The adjustment of the DTaP vaccine is aimed at strengthening the immunization level of infants and young children in response to rising infections of whooping cough in recent years.