Cost effectiveness analysis of heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Germany considering herd immunity effects

authored by

Christa Claes, Ralf René Reinert, Johann Matthias Graf Von Der Schulenburg

Abstract

Background: In Germany the heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) has been recommended as a general infant vaccination since 2006. Data from similar programmes in the USA have reported a reduction of pneumococcal diseases in both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations, suggesting herd immunity effects. This study analyses the cost-effectiveness of a general vaccination with PCV7 in Germany based on these findings. Methods: A Markov model adapts efficacy and herd immunity data to the German population. Further main model inputs are incidence, vaccination uptake, serotype distribution, case fatality rates, and vaccination and health-care costs. Results: A general vaccination with PCV7 would avoid about 232,000 pneumococcal infections and 1,879 premature deaths per year in Germany. From the health-care payer's perspective, direct cost savings would outweigh vaccination expenditures by a ratio of 1:1.16. The sensitivity analysis shows that these estimates are quite conservative. Conclusion: Based on the health-economic evaluation, the authors recommend the continuation of the general recommendation of PCV7 according to the 3 + 1 schedule within the German Statutory Health Insurance.

Organisation(s)

Center for Health Economics Research Hannover (CHERH)

External Organisation(s)

RWTH Aachen University

Type

Article

Journal

European Journal of Health Economics

Volume

10

Pages

25-38

No. of pages

14

ISSN

1618-7598

Publication date

02.2009

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Economics, Econometrics and Finance (miscellaneous), Health Policy

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10198-008-0098-1 (Access: Closed)