Pharmacoeconomics of immunisation: a review

The effects of immunisation programmes that have existed for several decades in developed countries are demonstrated by the decrease and even eradication of smallpox, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps and hepatitis B. Cost, health policy and spontaneous evolution in the incidence of communicable diseases have a decisive influence on the use of a vaccine. Investment in vaccination policy has to be encouraged to maintain this progress made in the control of infectious diseases and to meet new challenges. Studies re-evaluating ongoing immunisation programmes are scarce. Nevertheless, it can be concluded that for vaccination against hepatitis B in professionally exposed at-risk populations, arguments for positive returns are consistent. The same holds for vaccination against S. pneumoniae and for influenza virus in the elderly. The results of the economic evaluation of revaccination against measles, when insufficient coverage exists, are inconclusive. Universal vaccination of children against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and of children of hepatitis B-positive mothers against hepatitis may require costs to be paid in order to gain extra health benefits.