PCV13 Vaccination Innovative Strategy in Weifang City, China - a case study

Abstract Pneumococcal diseases (PDs) are highly prioritized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a vaccine-preventable disease. WHO recommends including Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) in national immunization programs worldwide. However, PCV is not included in the National Immunization Programs (NIP) and has a low vaccination coverage due to high costs in China. To address this issue, Weifang City implemented an innovative strategy for 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13) from June 1, 2021. This strategy aimed to provide one free dose of PCV13 to children aged 6 months to 2 years with household registration and adopt a commercial insurance model with one free dose of PCV13 in 2023 for children over 2 years old. The Weifang Municipal Health Commission and other departments conducted a comprehensive investigation and considered various factors, such as vaccine effectiveness, safety, accessibility, vaccine price, and immunization schedules for school-age children. They also solicited opinions from various stakeholders before implementing the policy. The Commission negotiated with vaccine manufacturers to maximize negotiating power and reduce vaccine prices. The implementation plan was introduced under the Healthy Weifang Strategy. After implementing the innovative strategy, the full course of vaccination coverage increased significantly, from 0.67% to 6.59%. However, the vaccination coverage is still lower compared to developed countries. Weifang's PCV13 vaccination innovative strategy is the first case in mainland China and an active pilot of non-immunization program vaccination strategies. To further promote the PCV13 vaccination, it is recommended that Weifang City continue to implement this strategy and explore appropriate financing channels. Regions with higher economic levels can innovate the implementation paths, broaden the financing channels, improve the accessibility of vaccination services, and advocate for more localities incorporate PCV13 into local expanded program on immunization or government benefiting projects. A monitoring and evaluation system should also be established to evaluate the implementation effects.