IngentaConnect Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Meningit...

Abstract:

Background: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) meningitis is associated with high mortality and serious sequelae in children under 5 years of age. Vaccines which can prevent this infection are available.

Objective: To evaluate the costs and benefits of a 3-dose immunisation schedule in Manila, Philippines.

Perspective: Government and societal perspectives.

Design and participants: A cost-benefit analysis based on a birth cohort of 100 000 children. The state of health of the cohort with and without a Hib immunisation programme was modelled over a 5-year period. A survey of medical records of patients with Hib in Manila provided data on the extent and cost of sequelae following infection.

Intervention: A 3-dose Hib vaccination programme given at ages 2, 3 and 4 months.

Results: The model predicted that vaccinating children against Hib meningitis would prevent 553 cases per year in a birth cohort of 100 000, at a cost of 56 200 Philippine pesos (PHP) [$US1605; 1998 exchange rate] per case (base case assumptions of 90% vaccine efficacy rate, 95 per 100 000 Hib incidence rate, 85% vaccination coverage). Results from the cost-benefit analyses indicated that the saving to the government would be around PHP39 million ($US1.11 million), and the saving to society would be PHP255 million ($US7.28 million).

Conclusion: There would be a positive economic benefit for the Philippine government and for the Filipino society if a Hib vaccination programme was introduced in Manila.

Keywords: Children; Cost benefit; Haemophilus meningitis, prevention; Hib vaccine, therapeutic use; Pharmacoeconomics; Vaccines, therapeutic use

Document Type: Original article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of the Philippines - Manila, Manila, Philippines 2: School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Meningitis Prevention Programme in The Philippines