Estimation of the Cost of the National Immunization Program for Children and Adolescents in Greece

OBJECTIVES: Greece has an extensive pediatric and adolescent National Immunization Program (NIP). However, to ensure its future smooth expansion, health policymakers need evidence-based estimates regarding the cost and the coverage of the current NIP. The aims of this study are to estimate the immunization cost of the current NIP, and the annual number of children who miss routine vaccination.

METHODS: A published economic model (Bencina et al. Expert Rev Vaccines. 2023) populated with the recent NIP was utilized. Vaccine units and cost data were retrieved from the National Organization For Health Care Services (EOPYY) Prescription Center and the latest positive list, respectively. Vaccination coverage was computed based on EOPYY units and the age-specific population of Greece from the United Nations database. Administration costs were not considered in the analysis.

RESULTS: With current NIP and vaccine coverage, the annual immunization cost was estimated at €93.6 million. Vaccination cost represent only the 0.6% of the total healthcare budget. The cumulative vaccination cost per child during childhood and adolescence years was €1130. The vaccines with the highest and lowest vaccination coverage are the hexavalent combination vaccination and HPV in boys, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the significant benefits of vaccination, it represents a low proportion of total health expenditure.