Pertussis and pertussis vaccine: further analysis of benefits, risks and costs

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Immunization
• Health Economics

Background:

• Ongoing debate exists regarding the benefits versus risks of pertussis immunization.
• Previous analyses of pertussis vaccination programs have been conducted, with earlier studies showing a strong benefit-to-cost ratio.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate the benefits, risks, and costs of pertussis immunization using updated data and methodologies.
• To address specific concerns regarding the impact of U.S. age distribution and increased vaccine costs on the model's outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A hypothetical cohort of one million children was modeled from birth to six years, comparing outcomes with and without a pertussis vaccination program.
• The model was updated to incorporate the U.S. age distribution of pertussis cases, a 90-fold increase in vaccine costs, and new data from the British National Childhood Encephalopathy Study.
• Sensitivity analyses were performed using worst-case estimates for vaccine-associated risks.

Main Results:

• The updated model consistently indicates that the benefits of pertussis vaccination significantly outweigh the associated risks.
• Economic analyses demonstrate that the savings generated by the vaccination program exceed its costs, even under adverse assumptions.
• The benefit-to-cost ratio remains highly favorable, reinforcing the value of pertussis immunization.

Conclusions:

• Pertussis vaccination is a beneficial public health intervention, offering substantial health and economic advantages.
• Despite increased vaccine costs and potential risks, pertussis immunization remains a cost-effective strategy for protecting children.
• Further research and continued monitoring are essential to inform vaccination policies.