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The cost-saving potential of prevaccination antibody tests when implementing a mass immunization program.
Z A Memish1, G A Oni, R M Bannatyne
1Department of Infection Prevention and Control, King Fahad National Guard Hospital, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia.
Military Medicine
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Prevaccination antibody testing for hepatitis A virus (HAV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) can save costs in immunization programs. However, screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) may increase vaccination expenses.
Area of Science:
- * Public Health
- * Infectious Diseases
- * Immunization Programs
Background:
- * Hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) are significant public health concerns.
- * Immunization programs aim to prevent these viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To assess the cost-saving potential of prevaccination antibody testing for HAV, HBV, and VZV among Saudi Arabian National Guard soldiers.
- * To inform immunization program strategies for these viral diseases.
Main Methods:
- * A systematic sample of 450 blood donations from 1,350 soldiers was analyzed.
- * Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect antibodies to HAV, HBV, and VZV.
- * Seroprevalence rates were determined and compared with universal vaccination costs.
Main Results:
- * Seropositivity rates for HAV, HBV, and VZV antibodies were 97.5%, 17.8%, and 88.5%, respectively.
- * Prevaccine screening for HAV and VZV demonstrated potential cost savings of 76% and 32%.
- * Screening for HBV before vaccination was estimated to increase costs by 49%.
Conclusions:
- * Seroprevalence studies are valuable for optimizing cost-effectiveness in mass immunization programs for endemic, naturally immunity-conferring diseases.
- * Targeted prevaccination screening strategies can lead to significant cost savings for HAV and VZV.
- * Universal vaccination or alternative strategies may be more cost-effective for HBV in this population.