[The cost-effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccination in Catalonia].

BACKGROUND

Pneumococcal vaccine is an effective preventive measure against pneumococcal infections. Cost-effectiveness of pneumococcal 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 primary health care have been calculated.

RESULTS

Pneumococcal 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

Pneumococcal vaccination is cost-effective in individuals aged 65 or more, and has a favourable ratio in those aged from 45 to 64.