OBJECTIVES : Whilst ongoing healthcare and political reforms have continuously shaped the reimbursement process for vaccines, tendering has remained by far the most common tool for negotiations between governments and manufacturers. This study aims to assess what considerations (beyond price) are important for awarding a vaccine tender in major tender driven markets and to explore future developments of the tender criteria.

METHODS : The study was conducted across US, EU5, China, Russia, Brazil and Australia. Secondary research using publicly available sources was conducted in order to identify the current criteria for awarding a vaccine tender contract across these geographies. In-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders (payers & public health officials) were performed to complement these findings and to assess the priority attached to value criteria in the tender evaluation at present and expectations for the future.

RESULTS : The process of assessing vaccines varies by market as do the criteria for awarding tenders. Whilst price remains a primary driver in many markets, other criteria such as quality standards, supply reliability, local manufacturing capabilities, level of innovation and manufacturer reputation are also considered when tendering decisions are being made. Value is considered in some of the more developed markets analysed and whilst the remaining markets expressed some willingness to incorporate value, this is yet to be further developed. Stakeholder willingness, budget constraints & public policy reform(s) were found to be among the limitations to the future inclusion of value as a criteria for selecting vaccines in a tender.

CONCLUSIONS : Given the emphasis on price on vaccine tendering, value based considerations are often a secondary concern to stakeholders overseeing tenders. However, there is increasing interest in incorporating value into the tender decision-making process in most of the markets analysed.