Related Experiment Videos
Universal screening for measles immunity during pregnancy: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Anuradha Devabhaktuni1, Sarah Boudova2, Elias Kassir3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California.
American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM
|August 10, 2026
Summary
Universal screening for measles immunity during pregnancy is a cost-effective strategy that saves money and improves health outcomes. This approach is recommended for widespread adoption in the United States to prevent measles complications.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
- Health Economics
Background:
- Measles poses significant risks during pregnancy, including severe illness and mortality.
- Current guidelines do not recommend routine measles immunity screening for pregnant individuals.
- Rising measles outbreaks necessitate re-evaluation of screening strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the cost-effectiveness of universal measles immunity screening during pregnancy in the U.S.
- To compare universal screening against the current standard of no routine screening.
Main Methods:
- A decision-analytic model was employed to evaluate cost-effectiveness.
- Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were the primary outcome measure.
- Model inputs were literature-derived, with analyses run over two pregnancy cycles.
Main Results:
- Universal screening was found to be the dominant strategy, proving cost-effective.
- The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was low ($166.46/QALY) even at high exposure rates.
- Sensitivity analyses confirmed screening's cost-effectiveness, with cost savings and QALY gains in 99.83% of simulations.
Conclusions:
- Universal measles immunity screening during pregnancy is a cost-effective strategy.
- Adoption of universal screening in the U.S. is advocated.
- Healthcare providers should consider screening and postpartum vaccination until universal adoption.