Budget Impact Analysis of RSVpreF Vaccine for Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Disease Among Older Adults in Argentina

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the public health and budget impact (BI) of using the RSVpreF vaccine for prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in older adults in Argentina.

METHODS: A 3-year budget impact model estimated the potential impact of RSVpreF using the perspective of the National Institute of Social Services for Retirees and Pensioners (INSSJP-PAMI) which provides social and healthcare services to 5 million affiliates, covering 80% of the elderly nationwide. Target population was defined as adults aged ≥60 years with and without underlying comorbidities that increase risk of RSV progression to severe respiratory disease (i.e., obesity, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease, chronic heart disease, chronic renal disease, and immunosuppression). Key parameters were estimated based on published and unpublished literature. Economic outcomes are expressed in USD (exchange rate 1USD=893.5AR$, May 2024).

RESULTS: Considering vaccine coverage of 0.5%, 1.5% and 3% (years 1, 2, and 3 respectively), the reduction in RSV hospitalizations and deaths was 0.2%, 0.7% and 1.2%, respectively. In total 18 deaths were averted (yr1: 2; yr2: 6; yr3: 10). The net 3-year BI of the inclusion of RSVpreF vaccine in PAMI was $2M considering a reduction in medical costs of $446,516 and total vaccination costs of $2.4M. Vaccination rates and vaccine acquisition costs were the most influential parameters in the one-way sensitivity analysis. A scenario analysis considering 10-fold in vaccination rates showed 10,045 more cases that required medical attention averted and 136 additional deaths averted with a $14.2M incremental increase in the costs.

CONCLUSIONS: The adoption of the RSVpreF vaccine would avert hospitalizations and reduce deaths but would require an increase in the budget for vaccine investment.