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[Costs and benefits of vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b]
L L Martens1, G H ten Velden, P Bol
1Abt Associates Inc., Cambridge, MA 02138-1168.
Insights
Introducing Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines into the Dutch national program could be cost-effective. Cost-benefit balance is likely if vaccine price is around $7 and administration is combined with existing vaccinations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Vaccinology
- Health Economics
Background:
- * *Haemophilus influenzae* type b (Hib) causes severe invasive diseases, including meningitis, in hundreds of Dutch children annually.
- * Current vaccination schedules protect children from 6 months of age against Hib infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of introducing a conjugated Hib vaccine into the Dutch state vaccination program.
- * To identify key factors influencing the vaccine's economic viability.
Main Methods:
- * Cost-effectiveness analysis framework.
- * Evaluation of vaccine price, administration schedule, and integration with existing vaccination programs.
Main Results:
- * The introduction of Hib vaccines is projected to be cost-effective.
- * A break-even point for costs and benefits is anticipated if the vaccine costs approximately $7 per dose.
- * Combining Hib vaccine administration with the existing diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT) and poliomyelitis vaccination schedule is crucial.
Conclusions:
- * Introducing conjugated Hib vaccines into the Dutch national vaccination program is a potentially cost-effective public health intervention.
- * Vaccine price and integrated administration are critical determinants of the program's financial feasibility.
- * Further analysis is needed to address uncertainties regarding vaccine price and administration logistics.
Abstract:
In the Netherlands, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) causes invasive disease in hundreds of children every year; meningitis is the most frequent and most severe infection. Children from the age of 6 months can be protected against Hib-diseases by conjugated vaccines. The financial consequences of the introduction of such vaccine into the state vaccination programme are considered in a cost-effectiveness analysis. Some elements in the analysis are still uncertain, such as the price and the schedule and method of administration of the vaccine. Presumably, the costs and benefits will be in balance, if one vaccine dose will cost about 7 US $+ and if the administration can be combined with the present programme of vaccinations against diphtheria, whooping cough, poliomyelitis and tetanus.