Cost-benefit analysis of a nationwide infant immunization programme against hepatitis A in an area of intermediate endemicity.
OBJECTIVE
The availability of safe and effective Hepatitis A vaccines prompts an evaluation of a nationwide infant vaccination campaign to supplement strategies aimed at high-risk groups such as travellers and military personnel.


METHODS
A spreadsheet model was used to estimate costs and benefits of a nationwide infant immunization programme against Hepatitis A for the period from 1997-2014 in Israel.


RESULTS
Immunizing all one year olds in Israel from 1997-2014 would for a cost of $32.0 million to the health services and $42.1 million to society (including $10.1 million lost work and transport costs), reduce the number of cases of Hepatitis A during the next 45 years from 181,000 to 47,000. This would save $57.5 million in health service resources alone, $32.0 million in averted work absences and transport costs in addition to a further $17.0 million in averted premature mortality costs. The health service, resource and societal benefit:cost ratios are 1.80:1, 2.13:1 and 2.54:1, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The recent adoption of a nationwide infant HAV immunisation policy in Israel is both medically and economically justifiable.
Ginsber
G M
GM
Medical Technology Assessment Sector, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel. mttgary@matat.health.gov.il
Slater
P E
PE
Shouval
D
D
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007557:Israel; D014611:Vaccination / Q000191:economics*
D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines