Pharmacoeconomics of elderly vaccination against invasive pneumococcal infections: cost-effectiveness analyses and implications for The Netherlands

We performed a review of cost-effectiveness of elderly pneumococcal vaccination to prevent invasive disease. It concerns studies in the USA, Canada, Netherlands and Spain and a multinational study of five European countries. Cost-effectiveness of elderly vaccination against invasive pneumococcal infections varies from cost-saving to EUR 33,000 per life-year gained. The Dutch study estimates cost-effectiveness at EUR 10,100 per life-year gained (price level: 1995). This is below the level that has recently been defined for treatment of high cholesterol (EUR 20,000 per life-year gained) and may therefore be considered as favorable. Almost all studies base their estimate of vaccine efficacy on the same case-control study from the USA. We identify a need for a systematic review on the efficacy of the pneumococcal vaccine. Also, we suggest further analysis with respect to potential effects on cost-effectiveness of extended influenza vaccination for the Dutch elderly in recent years and inclusion of pneumococcal re-vaccination. Pending this additional information, we conclude that cost-effectiveness of vaccination against invasive pneumococcal infections for Dutch elderly is favorable (as in several other countries) and justifies implementation from a pharmacoeconomic point of view.