WUHAN, China — China is making significant strides in vaccine development and immunization, marking a new chapter in global health advancements. At the 2025 National Vaccines and Health Conference held over the weekend in Wuhan, nearly 3,000 public health officials and medical professionals gathered to spotlight the nation’s progress.
Over recent years, China’s scientists have achieved remarkable breakthroughs. Homegrown vaccines for HPV and Ebola have emerged, along with advances in pneumococcal conjugate vaccines targeting 13 types of bacteria and new vaccines for shingles. These innovations are not only enhancing health within the Chinese mainland but are also contributing to global vaccine supplies.
Several Chinese vaccines have received prequalification from the World Health Organization, enabling their distribution in countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. This marks a shift from focusing solely on domestic needs to playing a pivotal role in global health, according to Wang Yunfu, head of the Health Commission of Hubei Province.
The global biotechnology landscape is evolving rapidly. Breakthroughs in mRNA platforms, viral vectors, and nanoparticle delivery systems are opening unprecedented opportunities for vaccine research and development. These technologies are boosting efficiency and strengthening immune responses, driving the next generation of vaccines.
China places a strong emphasis on safety and regulatory oversight. In 2019, it became the first country to implement a comprehensive vaccine administration law. By 2023, updated immunization standards were introduced. A nationwide traceability system ensures that every vaccine dose can be tracked from production to administration, enhancing transparency and building public trust.
The results are evident. The Chinese mainland achieved polio-free status in 2000, eliminated neonatal tetanus by 2012, and has reported no locally transmitted diphtheria cases since 2007. The prevalence of hepatitis B among children under five plummeted from nearly 10% in 1992 to just 0.3% in 2020. Nationwide, routine vaccination coverage has remained above 90%, supported by a robust healthcare infrastructure ensuring every township has at least one vaccination unit.
Efforts to expand access and improve service delivery are ongoing. “Public health should be protected through more accessible and higher-quality vaccine services,” said Li Bin, president of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association. In Hubei Province, girls aged 14 are now eligible for free HPV vaccinations, and immunization for newborns is integrated into the birth registration process to ensure timely coverage.
Looking ahead, China is poised to refine its immunization strategies further. Health authorities are considering dynamic adjustments to the national immunization program, prioritizing vaccines with high cost-effectiveness or those targeting costly diseases. In some regions, pilot programs may allow personal health insurance to cover non-mandatory vaccines, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
Digital technology is set to play an increasing role. Electronic vaccination records are being shared across provinces, and artificial intelligence is assisting with appointment scheduling. Big data platforms are enhancing vaccine inventory management and logistics. Yin Zundong, head of the Immunization Program Center at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasized the impact of these technologies. “With the help of big data and AI, disease surveillance and early warning systems can become more accurate and efficient,” Yin said. “Data-driven tools will enable precise assessments of vaccine protection efficacy.”
China’s commitment to vaccine innovation and public health not only benefits its own population but also contributes significantly to global health initiatives. As new technologies and strategies emerge, the Chinese mainland is poised to continue its role as a leader in the fight against infectious diseases.
