Cost-effectiveness studies of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines

Abstract

The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is licensed in many countries for the prevention of pediatric pneumococcal disease. The vaccine is known to be highly immunogenic in infants and young children, and has been shown to be efficacious not only in decreasing disease in pediatric age groups but also in adults through herd immunity. Cost-effectiveness analyses of this vaccine have been performed in a number of countries. The present review compiles, summarizes and critiques these analyses. The range of values for cost-effectiveness, as measured in cost per life-years gained, in the studies reviewed, ranges from 14,000 US dollars to 147,000 US dollars with one outlier at 504,000 US dollars. For cost per quality-adjusted life years the range is 26,000 US dollars to 66,000 US dollars. Recommendations for the use of the vaccine will take account not only of these ratios but also of the absolute burden of disease. Performing cost-effectiveness analyses for healthcare interventions in infants and children is one means of redressing inequalities.

Cost-effectiveness of heptavalent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine (Prevenar) in Germany: considering a high-risk population and herd immunity effects

“…A number of other cost-effectiveness studies have evaluated the conjugate vaccine in North America, Europe and Australia, and a recent review reported that the cost per life year gained estimated in these studies is in the range of US $14,000-$147,000, with one outlier at US $504,000 [12]. Our base analysis excluding herd immunity falls within this range.…”

The current burden of pneumococcal disease in England and Wales

“…Moreover, results from cost-effectiveness analyses showed that indirect effects such as herd immunity and serotype replacement may have a crucial impact on the economic acceptability of alternative programs. 33,34 The serotype diversity of S. pneumoniae and its many clinical manifestations make it hard to answer questions related to the short as well as long-term effects that vaccination may have at the population level. Here, we have attempted to give some baseline information on the epidemiology of both invasive and non-invasive pneumococcal condition and on the potential impact of the available pneumococcal vaccines.…”

Enhanced decision support for policy makers using a web interface to health-economic models—Illustrated with a cost-effectiveness analysis of nation-wide infant vaccination with the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in the Netherlands

“…In Western Europe, it is estimated that every child experiences one or more episodes of otitis media before the age of 2 years [7,8]. A number of studies have assessed the potential economical impact of mass infant vaccination with PCV7 (Prevnar; Wyeth) [9][10][11][12], since the first published clinical trial showed the high efficacy of this vaccine in the prevention of IPD [13] (see also McIntosh [14] for a recent review). Additionally, ongoing research has provided important new data.…”