Pneumococcal disease (PD) incidence has been reduced due to national immunization programs (NIP) that include pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs). A 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) was introduced in Mexico as full NIP in 2006. In 2010-2011, a switch to PCV13 (6 additional serotypes) was made in a 2 + 1 schedule.

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the economic impact of PCVs vs. a non-vaccination scheme in the Mexican pediatric population.

METHODS

A retrospective economic evaluation was conducted from 2006 – 2014 comparing the observed impact of PCVs on incidence of disease compared to the pre-PCV level of disease to estimate the cumulative impact of vaccination. Epidemiological databases were revised for incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), pneumonia and acute otitis media (AOM). Vaccination and direct clinical costs were obtained from public tabulators from 2018. Given the retrospective analysis, a prospective cost-benefit analysis was calculated based on continued use of PCV13.

RESULTS

When considering the hypothetical scenario of non- immunization vs immunization the use of PCVs in Mexico is estimated to have prevented approximately 1.5 million cases of pneumococcal disease and 1,840 deaths over the past 10 years. This reduction corresponds to over a $33 billion MXN cost-savings since the introduction of PCVs. Prospectively, over a one year period continued PCV13 in Mexico provides a return on investment of $2.1 MXN for each peso invested in the program.

CONCLUSIONS

PCVs in Mexico have resulted in a significant impact on PD incidence and a net economic benefit. PCVs in the current schedule should be maintained in order to maximize the total benefits of vaccination.