A hospital in south China's Hainan Province has become the first in China to offer 9-valent HPV vaccine, reports China National Radio.
The first batch of shots, more than 2000 in all, arrived in Hainan last weekend and nearly 4000 more will arrive in July. A woman from Beijing was the first one to receive the vaccine at Boao Super Hospital.
Three doses are required for immunization at a total cost of 5800 yuan (902 U.S. dollars), including the medical check expenses. Women aged between 16 and 26 only are permitted to take the vaccine.
Beijing also plans to introduce 9-valent HPV vaccine by the end of this year.
Bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccine has been available in some big cities in China since last year. They can prevent 70% and 84% of cervical cancers, respectively. The latest 9-valent HPV vaccine, countering nine types of HPV, can prevent 92% of cervical cancers.
