Cost-effectiveness of Neumococcical Vaccination in Catalonia

Abstract

Background: Pneumococcical vaccine is an effective preventive measure against pneumococcical infections. Cost-effectiveness of pneumococcical vaccination of 5 or more years aged population of Catalonia has been evaluated in this study. Methods: Cost-effectiveness has been estimated in terms of net cost per life-year gained (LYG) and net cost per quality adjusted life year gained (QALY). To calculate the net program cost, a cost of 1200 pesetas ($ 10) per individual has been assumed and averted disease cost in hospital and prymary health care have been cakulated. Results: Pneumococcical vaccination could obtain 3,360 LYGs and 6,463 QALYs in the population of Catalonia. The program cost has been estimated at 2,800 million pesetas. Cost-effectiveness in million pesetas is 10.1 per LYG and 4.3 QALY in the age group from 5 to 24; 4.2 per LYG and 1.9 per QALY in the age group from 25 to 44; 1.0 per LYG and 0.5 per QALY in the age group from 45 to 44, and it is negative (benefits > costs) in the age group of 65 years old and over. Conclusions: Pneumococcical vaccination is cost-effective in individuals aged 65 or more, and has a favourable ratio in those aged from 45 to 64.