The launch ceremony for China's domestically produced nine-valent HPV vaccine is held in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, Sept 26. [Photo courtesy of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital]

China's first domestically developed nine-valent HPV vaccine was launched in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on Friday, making it available to women of eligible age across the region.

The first recipient in Zhejiang was a female high school student, who said she feels "reassured and found it very meaningful" to receive the domestic vaccine.

The domestically developed nine-valent HPV vaccine received approval from the National Medical Products Administration, making the country the second in the world to independently supply high-valency HPV vaccines. The first shot nationwide was administered earlier in Xiamen, Fujian province.

The vaccine, suitable for women aged 9 to 45, is priced at 499 yuan per dose, about 40 percent of the cost of similar imported vaccines, providing a more affordable and accessible option for cervical cancer prevention.