Health Economic Burden on Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin Vaccination

Abstract

Background. Chronic Hepatitis B infection comprises the mortality among viral hepatitis despite primary hepatitis B vaccination was implemented in different states health programs. Different modalities of combining active and passive hepatitis B vaccination were conducted. Pregnant women hepatitis screening was not yet streamlined in the clinical management due to social and economic challenges. Fetal to maternal vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus is still a burden to our health system. It is the objective of the study to present the cost of incorporating hepatitis B immunoglobulin vaccine in the current vaccination program, as strengthen the preventive measures of hepatitis infection locally and nationally. Methods Survey questionnaires were utilized to gather demographic data among randomly selected pregnant women during their prenatal visits at the hospital. Hospital and city-based census were used for projecting cost and revenues of having hepatitis B immunoglobulin vaccination. Results. A total of 74 respondents were identified. A financial 5-year was forecast would show a revenue of Php 1,494,500.00 ($28,869.5) on the 5th year and would spare the mothers from OOP expenses with a total amount of Php 945,500 ($18,264.40). Moreover, the monthly revenue of Hep B Ig vaccination (based on 2016 census) on a city-wide was forecasted. The difference of the total amount of PHIC reimbursement from the amount of vaccine purchasing would give the facility a projected revenue of Php 3,381,123.00 ($65,313.62) or a monthly average of Php (281,760.25). A total of 1,380 newborns would be at risk to hepatitis B-reactive mothers and would be protected by securing hepatitis B immunoglobulin and be made available in the hospital pharmacy. Furthermore, pregnant women are protected against financial risk of unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses. Conclusion. This study found that the pregnant women was aware of the economic burden of hepatitis B immunoglobulin vaccine and it would benefit the healthcare facility by strategically addressing the external factors for a sustained vaccination program.