OBJECTIVES : Vaccination cost does not appear to be a factor limiting its access, whether it is mandatory or recommended. The aim of this study was to assess the costs of lifelong vaccination for a fully immunized Western European citizen.

METHODS : This analysis takes into account updated vaccine costs, as in the 2019 French vaccination calendar guidelines, especially regarding the recent extension to 11 mandatory vaccines. Various vaccination costs have been differentiated according to the age group of the population targeted by the recommendations in force in the 2019 schedule, and by gender. In order to determine the average number of years an individual spent in the age group > 65 years, the latest estimate of life expectancy at birth was applied, while considering the difference between men and women in France. When several vaccines were available for the same indication, an average of the prices was calculated (referenced on the French Health Insurance database). For each vaccination, a consultation with a general practitioner of €25 was considered, excluding pediatric vaccinations at 2, 4 and 11 months where it was considered that all vaccines were administered in a single consultation.

RESULTS : A cost between €1,650.35 for men and €2,208.88 for women would theoretically allow a person to be fully immunized throughout their lifetime against 16 disabling and potentially fatal diseases, from a collective perspective. In terms of life expectancy at birth, the costs of vaccination would be of €25.87 per year per patient for women and €20.76 per year per patient for men.

CONCLUSIONS : Ideally, vaccination would require a relatively low investment per person. This estimate should be considered as the maximum potential costs, due to the assumption of 100% compliance with vaccine recommendations.