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Economic evaluation for mass vaccination against COVID-19.

Authors :
Wang WC
Fann JC
Chang RE
Jeng YC
Hsu CY
Chen HH
Liu JT
Yen AM
Source :
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi [J Formos Med Assoc] 2021 Jun; Vol. 120 Suppl 1, pp. S95-S105. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 May 25.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Background: Vaccine is supposed to be the most effective means to prevent COVID-19 as it may not only save lives but also reduce productivity loss due to resuming pre-pandemic activities. Providing the results of economic evaluation for mass vaccination is of paramount importance for all stakeholders worldwide.<br />Methods: We developed a Markov decision tree for the economic evaluation of mass vaccination against COVID-19. The effectiveness of reducing outcomes after the administration of three COVID-19 vaccines (BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech), mRNA-1273 (Moderna), and AZD1222 (Oxford-AstraZeneca)) were modelled with empirical parameters obtained from literatures. The direct cost of vaccine and COVID-19 related medical cost, the indirect cost of productivity loss due to vaccine jabs and hospitalization, and the productivity loss were accumulated given different vaccination scenarios. We reported the incremental cost-utility ratio and benefit/cost (B/C) ratio of three vaccines compared to no vaccination with a probabilistic approach.<br />Results: Moderna and Pfizer vaccines won the greatest effectiveness among the three vaccines under consideration. After taking both direct and indirect costs into account, all of the three vaccines dominated no vaccination strategy. The results of B/C ratio show that one dollar invested in vaccine would have USD $13, USD $23, and USD $28 in return for Moderna, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca, respectively when health and education loss are considered. The corresponding figures taking value of the statistical life into account were USD $176, USD $300, and USD $443.<br />Conclusion: Mass vaccination against COVID-19 with three current available vaccines is cost-saving for gaining more lives and less cost incurred.<br />Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to this article.<br /> (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0929-6646
Volume :
120 Suppl 1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
34108119
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfma.2021.05.020