The cost-effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccination in healthy adults over 50: An exploration of influential factors for Belgium.

BACKGROUND

A recent trial demonstrated the 13 valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) to be effective against invasive and non-invasive pneumococcal disease in healthy adults. PCV13 might therefore be considered as an alternative to the 23 valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23).

AIM

To explore the cost-effectiveness of vaccinating healthy adults over 50, with either PCV13 or PPV23 alone, or with a combined strategy using both PCV13 and PPV23.

METHODS

A static multi-cohort model was developed simulating the consequences of pneumococcal vaccination in adults over 50 from a health care payer's perspective, for different scenarios of duration of vaccine protection and serotype evolution.

RESULTS

At currently expected prices, PCV13 vaccination of healthy adults over 50 is unlikely to be cost-effective either compared with no vaccination or in combination with PPV23 versus PPV23 only.

CONCLUSION

Further research is needed on vaccine efficacy of the combination strategy and of risk groups, as well as the duration of vaccine protection. Serotype evolutions under the influence of the childhood PCV program should be closely monitored.