The Disease Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Among the Adult Population in Greece
Author(s)
Argyro Solakidi, MSc1, Eleftherios Markatis, PhD1, Charalampos Tzanetakos, MSc2, George Gourzoulidis, PhD3.
1Pfizer Hellas, Athens, Greece, 2Health Through Evidece, Athens, Greece, 3Health Through Evidence, Athens, Greece.
1Pfizer Hellas, Athens, Greece, 2Health Through Evidece, Athens, Greece, 3Health Through Evidence, Athens, Greece.
OBJECTIVES: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of illness among adults and is associated with substantial health and economic burden in Greece. The aim of the present study was to estimate the burden of RSV illness in Greek adults 18 years of age and older from the healthcare and societal perspectives.
METHODS: A cohort Markov model was used to estimate the risk of health and economic outcomes associated with RSV among the adult population over a lifetime horizon. Epidemiological data, direct medical costs and indirect costs such as productivity loss associated with RSV morbidity and mortality were obtained from published literature, official sources and local experts. Model outcomes included number of medically attended RSV cases (hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) and outpatient visits (OV)), RSV-related deaths and associated medical and non-medical costs.
RESULTS: Over a lifetime horizon, among Greek adults, the model projected that there would be 880,103 cases of RSV hospitalizations, 452,339 cases of RSV requiring ED visits, 5,968,542 cases of RSV requiring OV care and 70,713 RSV-related deaths. The total RSV-related disease cost was estimated at approximately €5 billion, with indirect costs contributing to 36% of the total burden. Moreover, RSV-related hospitalizations constituted 12% of all RSV cases, yet accounted for most (72%) of the RSV-related direct medical costs.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that RSV imposes a significant clinical and economic burden on Greek adults, highlighting the need for targeted preventive measures. The recent regulatory approval of RSV vaccines for use among adults in Europe offers a valuable opportunity to reduce disease incidence and ease the strain on Greece’s healthcare system.
METHODS: A cohort Markov model was used to estimate the risk of health and economic outcomes associated with RSV among the adult population over a lifetime horizon. Epidemiological data, direct medical costs and indirect costs such as productivity loss associated with RSV morbidity and mortality were obtained from published literature, official sources and local experts. Model outcomes included number of medically attended RSV cases (hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) and outpatient visits (OV)), RSV-related deaths and associated medical and non-medical costs.
RESULTS: Over a lifetime horizon, among Greek adults, the model projected that there would be 880,103 cases of RSV hospitalizations, 452,339 cases of RSV requiring ED visits, 5,968,542 cases of RSV requiring OV care and 70,713 RSV-related deaths. The total RSV-related disease cost was estimated at approximately €5 billion, with indirect costs contributing to 36% of the total burden. Moreover, RSV-related hospitalizations constituted 12% of all RSV cases, yet accounted for most (72%) of the RSV-related direct medical costs.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that RSV imposes a significant clinical and economic burden on Greek adults, highlighting the need for targeted preventive measures. The recent regulatory approval of RSV vaccines for use among adults in Europe offers a valuable opportunity to reduce disease incidence and ease the strain on Greece’s healthcare system.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
HPR197
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Policy & Regulatory, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Topic Subcategory
Public Spending & National Health Expenditures
Disease
Infectious Disease (non-vaccine), Respiratory-Related Disorders (Allergy, Asthma, Smoking, Other Respiratory)