Burden of respiratory syncytial virus disease in infants and the potential value of maternal immunization in Greece.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to assess the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of maternal vaccination using the bivalent RSV prefusion F-protein (RSVpreF) vaccine to prevent RSV infections among Greek infants.

METHODS

A Markov model was adapted from the perspective of a public payer to simulate the health and economic outcomes of RSV from birth to 1 year of age. Key inputs for the model, including vaccine efficacy, utility values, epidemiological data, and direct medical costs [prices in euros (€), 2024], were obtained from official sources. Model main outcomes were medically attended RSV cases, RSV-related deaths, quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) gained, direct medical costs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER).

RESULTS

The model analysis estimated that the annual number of RSV medically attended cases would be 21,935, with 22% requiring hospitalization, 32% managed in the emergency department (ED), and the remaining cases treated in outpatient settings. Furthermore, 11 RSV-related deaths were estimated. These cases represent a significant economic burden, with direct medical costs of ~€26 million. With a year-round maternal RSVpreF vaccination coverage of 19.5%, over 1,200 RSV medically-attended cases could be prevented annually. Vaccination benefits translated to 31 additional QALYs compared with no vaccination. Thus, the model analysis indicated that RSVpreF vaccination is a cost-effective strategy, resulting in an ICER of €8,280 per QALY gained compared to no vaccination.

CONCLUSION

Administering maternal RSVpreF vaccination year-round can provide protection to infants against RSV from birth. From a payer perspective, maternal RSVpreF vaccination has been evaluated as a cost-effective alternative compared to no intervention, underscoring its value as a preventive strategy against RSV in Greece.