ALTHOUGH the HPV vaccine is now available in Shenzhen, Hong Kong still remains a popular destination for getting HPV vaccine injections as the latter provides vaccinations for HPV4 and HPV9. However, the price of the HPV2 vaccine is much cheaper in Shenzhen than in Hong Kong, the Southern Metropolis Daily reported.

Wang Wuxin, director of the adult vaccination clinic at Luohu Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, said that although the effect difference of the two vaccines on the prevention of cervical cancer is not obvious, the duration of immune protection varies from person to person.

Foreign data shows that the HPV9 vaccine can prevent about 90 percent of cervical cancer cases. In our country, HPV2 can prevent about 80 percent of cervical cancer cases, and the effect of preventing the cancer is the same as that of HPV4. Besides cervical cancer, HPV9 vaccine can effectively reduce the risk of anal cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer and the infection of genital condyloma acuminatum. The HPV2 vaccine is only for women, while HPV4 and HPV9 vaccines have a wider range.

At present, HPV2 costs 1,815 yuan (US$274) for three injections over six months in Shenzhen. In Hong Kong, the price is about HK$3,600 (US$461). According to the exchange rate of Hong Kong dollars to RMB, the price would be about 3,070 yuan, which is 1,200 yuan more expensive. If the fares and time to make three trips to Hong Kong are taken into account, the economic and time costs would be greatly increased.

Regarding supply, the adult vaccination clinic in Luohu District has a stock of 1,500 vaccines, enough for 500 people. Futian District has 600 vaccines for 200 people. In addition, the HPV2 vaccine will be available in communities in all districts, with a sufficient supply for Shenzhen residents.

According to an insider from Hong Kong, as long as the demand for HPV9 from mainland customers remains and there is a short supply, the price will remain high. Throughout the world, the market shares of HPV9 and HPV4 are way ahead of HPV2. Therefore, the HPV vaccine market in Hong Kong will not be affected much in the short term.

“Considering factors such as time, affordability and the differences of each vaccine, consumers should be clear about their own needs and make rational choices,” said Wang.

(Zhang Yu)