Coverage of 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Among Children 0–15 Months of Age — 9 Provinces, China, 2019–2021
Lijun Liu, Zhaonan Zhang, Xixi Zhang, Changsha Xu, Yifan Song, Li Li, Jiakai Ye, Zhiguo Wang, Hui Liang, Weiyan Zhang, Ling Lin, Ning Li, Shujun Zhang, Qianli Ma, Wen Du, Yongzhuo Jiao, Lingsheng Cao, Qi Qi, Lei Cao, Wenzhou Yu
Abstract
What is already known on this topic?: Limited data exist regarding the coverage of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in China. A lack of official statistics, coupled with an insufficient body of published literature, hinders the accurate depiction of the current situation. What is added by this report?: This study investigated the utilization of PCV13 and estimated its coverage in nine provinces across eastern, central, and western China between 2019 and 2021. Despite an annual increase in PCV13 usage during this period, the overall coverage remained suboptimal. What are the implications for public health practice?: Consideration should be given to incorporating vaccines into the Expanded Program of Immunization, reducing vaccine prices, and addressing the vaccination coverage gap between eastern and western regions when there is an adequate supply of PCV13, particularly with domestic vaccines.