Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of COVID-19 Vaccination in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Abstract

Background WHO reported that 5.5 million people died in the world because of COVID-19. One of the efforts to mitigate the pandemic is administrating the vaccines globally. Objective The objective of this study was to review cost-effectiveness analysis of COVID-19 vaccination in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods We searched PubMed and EBSCO for the eligible studies with inclusion criteria using cost-effectiveness analysis, free full text, low-middle-income countries, and the publication date since the last year. Four reviewers conducted the review independently. Results The review identified four articles meeting the eligibility criteria. The settings were LMICs. Different perspectives and economic modelling used by the countries confirmed a similar result. They all explained that vaccination could prevent the infection spread and mortality caused by COVID-19 and showed high cost-effectiveness values. Conclusion Administering COVID-19 vaccines was cost-effective and even cost-saving. The studies found that vaccination was more cost-effective in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the mortality it caused than no vaccination.

Economic evaluation of vaccination against COVID‐19: A systematic review

“…On the other hand, although vaccination may be a critical achievement in this challenging situation to address this health problem, there are concerns regarding the costs of preparation. When dealing with the costs of public vaccination, which is different according to the type of vaccine and estimated to be approximately $50 billion to save the world, usually there is no limitation for high‐income countries, whereas the majority of countries are not able to access sufficient amount especially low and middle‐income countries 11,19,20 . So, a big dilemma is providing sufficient financial sources to implement vaccination programs for a large number of populations in a short time.…”

“…When dealing with the costs of public vaccination, which is different according to the type of vaccine and estimated to be approximately $50 billion to save the world, usually there is no limitation for high‐income countries, whereas the majority of countries are not able to access sufficient amount especially low and middle‐income countries. 11 , 19 , 20 So, a big dilemma is providing sufficient financial sources to implement vaccination programs for a large number of populations in a short time. Nevertheless, it is supposed that this huge cost prioritizes and prevents more devastating economic impacts of COVID‐19.…”

Uncertainties beyond preparedness: COVID-19 vaccination in Senegal

“…This gap is particularly striking when one considers the credit given to the vaccine by the global health community in epidemic response, especially in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the vaccine is considered one of the most cost-effective public health interventions (Utami et al, 2022). The global evaluation of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic showed that vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was effective in reducing case fatality, particularly in those vulnerable due to age and/or comorbidities, and in reducing human-to-human transmission and circulation of the virus, that is, end the pandemic (Sachs et al, 2022).…”

Mandatory and seasonal vaccination against COVID-19: Attitudes of the vaccinated people in Serbia

“…Compelling evidence suggests that vaccination against COVID-19 is remarkably effective in preventing the need for hospital treatment and premature deaths [5] and lowering the costs associated with the delivery of healthcare services [6], which is especially important in middle-income countries like Serbia. The analysis of mortality and immunisation status has found higher mortality in countries with lower vaccination coverage [7].…”