Hepatitis B virus vaccine. Cost-benefit analysis of its use in a children's hospital

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Economics
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a risk to healthcare personnel.
• Current prevention strategies include postexposure prophylaxis.
• The cost of HBV infection to healthcare facilities and personnel is substantial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a cost-benefit analysis of routine active immunization against HBV for nursing personnel.
• To determine the economic viability of an HBV immunization program in a hospital setting.
• To identify conditions under which HBV immunization would become cost-effective.

Main Methods:

• Cost-benefit analysis framework.
• Calculation of average cost per HBV infection case.
• Estimation of current annual costs of HBV infection.
• Projection of cumulative costs for immunization program versus current system.

Main Results:

• The average cost per HBV infection case was calculated at $1,990.
• The current annual cost of HBV infection at the hospital was $12,630.
• Routine immunization would require 15 years to become cost-effective, with cumulative costs nearly matching the current system.
• Cost-effectiveness could be achieved within 6 years if high-risk employees were identified (2% attack rate) or vaccine costs dropped to $27.

Conclusions:

• Routine HBV immunization for all nursing personnel is not immediately cost-effective.
• Targeted immunization of high-risk staff or reduced vaccine costs are key factors for economic benefit.
• Economic evaluations are crucial for implementing effective occupational health strategies against HBV.