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Published on: December 15, 2023

Economic evaluation of infant and adolescent hepatitis B vaccination in the UK

M Ruby Siddiqui1, Nigel Gay, W John Edmunds

  • 1Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK.

Vaccine
|November 16, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Universal infant vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) is highly effective and cost-effective in the UK. The most feasible policy involves using a combined vaccine for infants, costing less than £4.09 per dose.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Health Economics

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant public health burden in the UK.
  • Understanding the cost-effectiveness of different vaccination strategies is crucial for resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of universal infant vaccination versus adolescent vaccination for HBV in the UK.
  • To identify high-risk populations for targeted vaccination and determine cost-effectiveness thresholds.

Main Methods:

  • A Markov model was developed to simulate HBV disease progression and assess outcomes.
  • Cost-effectiveness analysis was performed, calculating the cost per Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gained.

Main Results:

  • Universal infant vaccination could prevent 81% of HBV-associated morbidity and mortality, with a cost of approximately £260,000 per QALY gained.
  • Universal adolescent vaccination was less effective (45% prevention) and less cost-effective (£493,000 per QALY gained).
  • Vaccinating males and specific ethnic groups was found to be approximately 3 times more cost-effective due to higher incidence rates.

Conclusions:

  • Universal infant vaccination is the most effective and cost-effective strategy for HBV prevention in the UK.
  • The program is cost-effective if the average cost per vaccinated child is below £4.09.
  • A combined vaccine incorporating other infant antigens presents the most feasible policy option.

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