Cost-effectiveness of 13-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine in Indian adults aged ≥50 years

Lacking national policy for adult pneumococcal vaccination, local Indian guidelines recommend 13-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (PCV13) followed by 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23). However, no vaccination ('NV') or PPV23 alone are most common in clinical practice. We evaluated cost-effectiveness of PCV13 versus NV and, alternatively, PPV23 in India.

Cohort model with Markov-type process projected lifetime cases, deaths, and costs associated with invasive pneumococcal disease and all-cause non-bacteremic pneumonia (discounting = 5%/year). Cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained was assessed among at-risk/high-risk adults aged 50-59 years and all aged 60-99 years (N = 209.5 M) from private/patient and government/payer perspectives, which differed on medical costs, vaccination costs, and uptake rates.

From private/patient perspective, PCV13 versus NV yielded ₹480,908/QALY (ΔCosts=₹27.2B;ΔQALYs = 56,560), whereas PCV13 was dominant versus PPV23 (ΔCosts=-₹359.1 M; ΔQALYs = 53,861).From government/payer perspective, corresponding ratios were ₹610,178/QALY (ΔCosts=₹84.4B;ΔQALYs = 138,382), and ₹456,048/QALY (ΔCosts=₹60.2B; ΔQALYs = 131,933). In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, cost-effectiveness was <₹600,000/QALY in 72.9%-99.7% of replications (N = 1000/analysis), depending on comparison/perspective.

PCV13 versus NV among at-risk/high-risk adults aged 50-59 years and all aged ≥ 60 years would be cost-effective from both perspectives considering willingness-to-pay equaling approximately 3× gross domestic product/capita. Furthermore, PCV13 versus PPV23 would be cost-effective and cost saving from government/payer and private/patient perspectives, respectively.