Systematic review of economic evaluations of varicella vaccination programmes

Abstract

Objectives This study carried out a systematic literature review of economic evaluations of varicella vaccination programmes from the earliest publication to the present day, including programmes in the workplace and in special risk groups as well as universal childhood vaccination and catch up programmes. Methods Articles published from 1985 until 2022 were sourced from PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, NHSEED and Econlit. Eligible economic evaluations, which included posters and conference abstracts, were identified by two reviewers who scrutinised each other’s selections at both title and abstract and full report stages. The studies are described in terms of their methodological characteristics. Their results are aggregated by type of vaccination programme and the nature of the economic outcome. Results A total of 2575 articles were identified of which 79 qualified as economic evaluations. A total of 55 studies focused on universal childhood vaccination, 10 on the workplace and 14 on high risk groups. Twenty-seven studies reported estimates of incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained, 16 reported benefit-cost ratios, 20 reported cost-effectiveness outcomes in terms of incremental cost per event or life saved and 16 reported cost-cost offset results. Most studies of universal childhood vaccination reported an increase in overall costs to health services, but often a reduction in cost from a societal perspective. Conclusions The evidence surrounding the cost-effectiveness of varicella vaccination programmes remains sparse with contrasting conclusions in some areas. Future research should particularly aim to encompass the impact of universal childhood vaccination programmes on herpes zoster among adults.

Burden of chickenpox complications in Poland, 2006 to 2021: A comprehensive registry-based study

“…Immunisation can greatly reduce the number of chickenpox complications by over 95% [ 6 , 7 ]. However, it is important to consider the cost-effectiveness of such vaccination programmes [ 8 ]. Poland authorised chickenpox vaccines in 1999 [ 9 ], and since 2003, vaccinations have been authorised and recommended for individuals who have not contracted chickenpox, and a physician could prescribe the vaccine after medical assessment.…”