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Costs and cost-effectiveness of a universal, school-based hepatitis B vaccination program
M Krahn1, R Guasparini, M Sherman
1Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. murray.krahn@utoronto.ca
American Journal of Public Health
|November 10, 1998
Summary
School-based hepatitis B (hepatitis B virus) vaccination programs for adolescents are cost-effective, yielding net savings and offering a reasonable cost per life year gained in North America.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Economics
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant public health concern.
- School-based vaccination programs offer a practical delivery method for adolescent immunization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the economic viability of a universal, school-based grade 6 vaccination program against hepatitis B.
- To determine the cost-effectiveness of adolescent hepatitis B vaccination in British Columbia.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive cost study and cost-effectiveness analysis were conducted for the 1994-1995 British Columbia program.
- Costs included vaccine, administration, and net program expenses.
- A validated Markov model assessed the cost per life year gained.
Main Results:
- The total cost per vaccinated student was $44, with $24 for administration.
- Net program cost was $9 per person, with net savings of $75 per person when considering productivity.
- Marginal cost per life year gained was $2100.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis B vaccine can be delivered cost-effectively in North American schools.
- Universal adolescent vaccination is economically attractive in regions with average to high HBV incidence rates.
- The findings support adolescent vaccination programs for individuals at risk of hepatitis B virus infection.