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Vaccination against hepatitis B virus in Spain: a cost-effectiveness analysis
R Garuz1, J L Torrea, J M Arnal
1Department of Mathematics, Autonomous University, Madrid, Spain.
Vaccine
|November 19, 1997
Summary
The most cost-effective hepatitis B mass immunization strategy in Spain combines adolescent vaccination with active and passive immunization for newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers, preventing infections efficiently.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a significant public health challenge.
- Effective mass immunization strategies are crucial for controlling HBV transmission.
- Assessing the cost-effectiveness of different vaccination approaches is vital for resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of various mass immunization strategies against hepatitis B in Spain.
- To compare the impact of vaccinating adolescents, newborns, and high-risk infants.
Main Methods:
- Cost-effectiveness analysis using decision trees and Markov models.
- Monte Carlo simulation for disease cost calculations.
- Mathematical modeling of differential equations for vaccination effectiveness simulation.
Main Results:
- The combined strategy of vaccinating all adolescents and providing active/passive immunization to infants of HBsAg-positive mothers is the most effective.
- This integrated approach demonstrated superior cost-effectiveness in preventing hepatitis B infections.
- Costs included vaccination, travel, diagnosis, and disease treatment.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive immunization program targeting adolescents and high-risk newborns is recommended for optimal hepatitis B control in Spain.
- This strategy offers the best value for preventing hepatitis B virus infections.
- Policy decisions should prioritize integrated vaccination approaches for maximum public health impact.