Huge impact of assumptions on indirect effects on the cost-effectiveness of routine infant vaccination with 7-valent conjugate vaccine (Prevnar)

Vaccine. 2010 Mar 11;28(12):2367-9. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.01.005. Epub 2010 Jan 17.

Abstract

Several recently published European cost-effectiveness studies on the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-7: Prevnar((R))) have included net-indirect vaccine benefits for non-vaccine protected groups into their studies, which might be too optimistic an approach given recent data. Net-indirect effects result from herd protection minus serotype replacement effects. In this study we analyze the impact of net-indirect effects in non-vaccine protected groups of 5 years of age and older with updated assumptions regarding epidemiologic data and health care unit costs. Without net-indirect benefits for non-vaccine protected groups included the cost-effectiveness ratio is estimated at euro72,360 per QALY. In order to obtain cost-effectiveness ratios below the threshold of euro50,000 per QALY - which is in the middle of the range that is often referred to in the Netherlands - the net-indirect protective effect should at least be 16% of which has been observed in the USA after the introduction of PCV-7.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Female
  • Heptavalent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Herd*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands
  • Pneumococcal Vaccines / economics*
  • Pneumococcal Vaccines / immunology*
  • Vaccination / economics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Heptavalent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
  • Pneumococcal Vaccines