Impact of Nirsevimab on the Health Burden and Costs of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in the Infant Population From the Healthcare System in Argentina
Author(s)
Leandro Javier Pastori, MD1, Constanza Silvestrini Viola, Magister1, Ariel Bardach, MSc, PhD, MD1, Néstor Vain, MD2, Natalia Espinola, Magister1.
1Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), CABA, Argentina, 2Neonatología Sanatorio de la Trinidad, CABA, Argentina.
1Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), CABA, Argentina, 2Neonatología Sanatorio de la Trinidad, CABA, Argentina.
OBJECTIVES: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections and hospitalizations in infants worldwide. In Argentina, seasonal RSV outbreaks place a significant burden on health outcomes and healthcare resources use. Nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, has demonstrated efficacy in preventing RSV-related illness. Maternal RSV vaccination was recently added to Argentina’s national immunization schedule to protect all infants, complementing palivizumab use in high-risk groups, such as those born very preterm or with underlying conditions. However, many infants still remain unprotected. This study evaluated the impact of Nirsevimab introduction on RSV disease burden compared to the current immunization strategy combining maternal vaccination (MV) and Palivizumab from the national health system perspective in Argentina.
METHODS: A static decision-analytic model was adapted to the Argentine healthcare system, considering a cohort of 495,295 newborns over a single RSV season. The intervention strategy was a universal immunization with nirsevimab, compared to the current immunization approach (MV + palivizumab for eligible infants). Model parameters were sourced from official databases, literature, and expert consultations. Costs were expressed in 2024 USD.
RESULTS: The Nirsevimab strategy resulted in the immunization of 217,319 more infants compared to MV+palivizumab. Compared to the MV+palivizumab strategy, the intervention was estimated to avoid 5,422 hospitalizations, including 846 ICU admissions—of which 386 would have required mechanical ventilation—80 RSV-related deaths, and 19,036 outpatient events during the season. The avoided hospitalizations and outpatient visits would generate healthcare savings estimated at around 10 millions dollars. Health gains were mainly due to reductions in premature deaths and hospitalizations.
CONCLUSIONS: Implementing Nirsevimab in Argentina could substantially reduce the health burden associated with RSV from the healthcare system.
METHODS: A static decision-analytic model was adapted to the Argentine healthcare system, considering a cohort of 495,295 newborns over a single RSV season. The intervention strategy was a universal immunization with nirsevimab, compared to the current immunization approach (MV + palivizumab for eligible infants). Model parameters were sourced from official databases, literature, and expert consultations. Costs were expressed in 2024 USD.
RESULTS: The Nirsevimab strategy resulted in the immunization of 217,319 more infants compared to MV+palivizumab. Compared to the MV+palivizumab strategy, the intervention was estimated to avoid 5,422 hospitalizations, including 846 ICU admissions—of which 386 would have required mechanical ventilation—80 RSV-related deaths, and 19,036 outpatient events during the season. The avoided hospitalizations and outpatient visits would generate healthcare savings estimated at around 10 millions dollars. Health gains were mainly due to reductions in premature deaths and hospitalizations.
CONCLUSIONS: Implementing Nirsevimab in Argentina could substantially reduce the health burden associated with RSV from the healthcare system.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE538
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Policy & Regulatory
Topic Subcategory
Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
Disease
Pediatrics, Respiratory-Related Disorders (Allergy, Asthma, Smoking, Other Respiratory), Vaccines