J Korean Med Sci.  2008 Apr;23(2):176-184. 10.3346/jkms.2008.23.2.176.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Immunization in Korea

• Shin S
• Shin YJ
• Ki M

• KMID: 1713446
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2008.23.2.176

Abstract

An economic evaluation of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) immunization was conducted to examine whether Hib immunization should be included in the Korea's national immunization program. The costs and benefits included direct and indirect values and an estimation of the economic efficiency. We determined that a universal Hib immunization program in Korea would prevent 17 deaths and 280 invasive Hib cases. When we assumed the one Hib immunization cost as 26,000 won, the national Hib immunization would cost 34.6 billion won. Costs for various Hib diseases were estimated at 26.8 billion won (11.8 billion won from direct costs and 14.9 billion won from indirect costs). A benefit-cost ratio of 0.77 showed that the economic efficiency of the integration of Hib immunization in Korea is low because of the low incidence rate of Hib disease and high price of vaccine. However, if the Hib immunization cost decrease to less than 20,000 won, a benefit-cost ratio increase to 1.0 and above, integrating Hib immunization into the national immunization program with economic efficiency can be considered.

Keyword

Haemophilus Influenzae type b; Immunization; Cost-Benefit Analysis

MeSH Terms

Child
Child, Preschool
Cost of Illness
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Decision Support Techniques
Haemophilus Infections/*economics/*prevention & control
Haemophilus Vaccines/*economics/*therapeutic use
Haemophilus influenzae type b/*metabolism
Humans
Immunization/*economics
Immunization Schedule
Infant
Korea
Models, Economic
State Medicine