Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of potentially severe lower respiratory tract viral infection in infants. Hospitals may encounter challenges during the RSV season following the increased number of pediatric patients’ admissions. Maternal vaccination can help address this healthcare threat. This study aimed to analyze the cost-effectiveness of the bivalent respiratory syncytial virus prefusion F-protein-based (RSVpreF) vaccine versus no immunization. Methods: A static model was developed to assess the impact of RSV-lower respiratory tract infections immunization via maternal vaccination on hospitalization, life expectancy and quality of life in an annual newborn population, from the perspective of the public healthcare payer. Key input data were derived from an independent Belgian observational study and the latest available clinical data on the bivalent RSVpreF vaccine. The targeted infants were defined based on the recommendations of the Superior Health Council for maternal vaccination. Results: Maternal vaccination against RSV is a cost-saving option compared to no immunization against RSV, up to a cost of €183.67 (including 1 dose of vaccine and administration fee). The protection of 46,542 newborns with maternal vaccination prevented 1 infant death and 2242 pediatric hospital admissions while saving €8.57 million. These hospital savings will more than offset the cost of vaccination, resulting in incremental healthcare savings of €102,873. Moreover, in this target population, 80 QALYs will be gained over the lifetime horizon. Conclusions: The bivalent RSVpreF vaccine, administered in line with the recommendations of the Superior Health Council, is a dominant option compared with no immunization.
Bock et al. (Wed,) studied this question.