Economic evaluation of COVID-19 vaccination: A systematic review

Abstract

Background Safe and effective vaccination is considered to be the most critical strategy to fight coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), leading to individual and herd immunity protection. We aimed to systematically review the economic evaluation of COVID-19 vaccination globally. Methods We performed a systematic search to identify relevant studies in two major databases (MEDLINE/PubMed and EBSCO) published until September 8, 2022. After deduplication, two researchers independently screened the study titles and abstracts according to pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The remaining full-text studies were assessed for eligibility. We assessed their quality of reporting using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) 2022 checklist and summarized and narratively presented the results. Results We identified 25 studies that assessed the economic evaluation of COVID-19 vaccination worldwide by considering several input parameters, including vaccine cost, vaccine efficacy, utility value, and the size of the targeted population. All studies suggested that COVID-19 vaccination was a cost-effective or cost-saving intervention for mitigating coronavirus transmission and its effect in many countries within certain conditions. Most studies reported vaccine efficacy values ranging from 65% to 75%. Conclusions Given the favorable cost-effectiveness profile of COVID-19 vaccines and disparities in affordability across countries, considering prioritization has become paramount. This review provides comprehensive insights into the economic evaluation of COVID-19 vaccination that will be useful to policymakers, particularly in highlighting preventive measures and preparedness plans for the next possible pandemic.

Efficacy of the Second COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose in the Elderly

“…A vast array of clinical studies have confirmed that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective, even more so than those used for influenza vaccination (i.e., 80–90% vs. 50–60% efficacy against laboratory-confirmed symptomatic infections) [ 5 ], and relatively safe, since the burden of serous side-effects is orders of magnitude lower than the organic injuries caused by COVID-19 [ 6 ]. Besides the clinically favorable balance between efficacy and side effects, a recent systematic literature review also concluded that universal administration of COVID-19 vaccine is a cost-effective and cost-saving strategy for attenuating viral spread and averting the many adverse clinical consequences caused by COVID-19 illness [ 7 ]. Among the general population, older individuals are those more vulnerable to COVID-19 illness, in that the risk of unfavorable clinical progression, hospitalization, ICU admission and death is magnified compared to younger people [ 8 ].…”

Psychosocial Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Greece

“…Several systematic reviews suggest that vaccination against a variety of diseases (i.e., pneumococcal disease, varicella, tuberculosis) is a cost-effective or cost-saving intervention [ 113 , 114 , 115 , 116 ]. Additionally, a recent systematic review showed that the COVID-19 vaccination program appears to be a cost-effective or cost-saving intervention [ 117 ]. Therefore, the implementation of effective vaccination programs worldwide is essential to save lives and resources, and improve quality of life.…”

COVID-19-related burnout reduces COVID-19 vaccination intention in cardiac patients: a cross-sectional study in Greece

“…Although vaccination promotes public health and it is a cost-effectiveness intervention even in case of COVID-19, 13–15 vaccine hesitancy is still one of the biggest threats to global health 16 . Socio-demographic variables, psychological factors, vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19 related variables, personal beliefs, knowledge, fear, conspiracy theories, fake news, and trust are the most important factors that influence individuals’ decision to accept the COVID-19 vaccines.…”

“…10,11 That is, the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology and the American Heart Association suggest COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible to individuals with heart failure, heart disease, heart attack, and cardiovascular risk factors since they are high risk groups to develop COVID-19 outcomes. 12 Although vaccination promotes public health and it is a cost-effectiveness intervention even in case of COVID-19, [13][14][15] vaccine hesitancy is still one of the biggest threats to global health 16 . Socio-demographic variables, psychological factors, vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19 related variables, personal beliefs, knowledge, fear, conspiracy theories, fake news, and trust are the most important factors that influence individuals' decision to accept the COVID-19 vaccines.…”