Projected Public Health Benefits of Nirsevimab for RSV Prevention in Infants in Greece
Author(s)
Panagiotis Rigopoulos, MSc1, Apostolos Stratopoulos, MSc, PhD1, Mehdi Ghemmouri, MSc2, Kallia Mortaki, MSc1, Isidoros Kougioumtzoglou, MBA3.
1Vianex sa, Athens, Greece, 2Sanofi, Lyon, France, 3Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece.
1Vianex sa, Athens, Greece, 2Sanofi, Lyon, France, 3Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece.
OBJECTIVES: RSV is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory infections, especially in infants under 12 months, and places a considerable burden on pediatric services during seasonal epidemics. This study evaluates the public health impact of introducing nirsevimab into the Greek national immunization program for RSV prevention in all infants, compared to the current standard of care (SoC), palivizumab in high-risk infants.
METHODS: A static population-level model was developed to estimate the reduction in RSV-related outcomes in the Greek birth cohort (71,249 for year 2024) during their first RSV season. The model projected the number of RSV-related medically attended lower respiratory tract infections (MALRTIs) that could be avoided with universal nirsevimab immunization. These MALRTIs encompass the full spectrum of healthcare utilization, including primary care visits, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, and mechanical ventilation. The model also evaluated the impact on recurrent wheezing episodes. Associated avoidable healthcare expenditures were also estimated. Data inputs were sourced from Greek epidemiological datasets, diagnosis-related group (DRG) tariffs, and published literature.
RESULTS: The model estimated that under the current SoC with palivizumab, RSV would cause 45,454 MALRTIs in the Greek birth cohort during their first RSV season, including 2,716 hospitalizations. With universal nirsevimab immunization, these outcomes were projected to be reduced by 62%, preventing approximately 27,997 MALRTIs, including 1,832 hospitalizations. These reductions translated into estimated savings of €20.1 million, including €15.8 million from avoided hospitalizations.
CONCLUSIONS: Immunization with nirsevimab in Greece could offer a new effective strategy to reduce RSV-related morbidity and healthcare demand, while maintaining healthcare system sustainability. Nirsevimab uptake would not only address a critical unmet medical need but also help relieve pressure on Greece's already stretched healthcare system and strengthen its capacity for future challenges.
METHODS: A static population-level model was developed to estimate the reduction in RSV-related outcomes in the Greek birth cohort (71,249 for year 2024) during their first RSV season. The model projected the number of RSV-related medically attended lower respiratory tract infections (MALRTIs) that could be avoided with universal nirsevimab immunization. These MALRTIs encompass the full spectrum of healthcare utilization, including primary care visits, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, and mechanical ventilation. The model also evaluated the impact on recurrent wheezing episodes. Associated avoidable healthcare expenditures were also estimated. Data inputs were sourced from Greek epidemiological datasets, diagnosis-related group (DRG) tariffs, and published literature.
RESULTS: The model estimated that under the current SoC with palivizumab, RSV would cause 45,454 MALRTIs in the Greek birth cohort during their first RSV season, including 2,716 hospitalizations. With universal nirsevimab immunization, these outcomes were projected to be reduced by 62%, preventing approximately 27,997 MALRTIs, including 1,832 hospitalizations. These reductions translated into estimated savings of €20.1 million, including €15.8 million from avoided hospitalizations.
CONCLUSIONS: Immunization with nirsevimab in Greece could offer a new effective strategy to reduce RSV-related morbidity and healthcare demand, while maintaining healthcare system sustainability. Nirsevimab uptake would not only address a critical unmet medical need but also help relieve pressure on Greece's already stretched healthcare system and strengthen its capacity for future challenges.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
CO192
Topic
Clinical Outcomes, Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Policy & Regulatory
Topic Subcategory
Relating Intermediate to Long-term Outcomes
Disease
Pediatrics, Respiratory-Related Disorders (Allergy, Asthma, Smoking, Other Respiratory)