Public Health Value of a Hypothetical Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) Introduction: A Case Study

Background: Understanding the public health value of a vaccine at an early stage of development helps in valuing and prioritizing the investment needed. Here we present the potential cost-effectiveness of an upcoming 12 valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV 12) in the case study country, Thailand. Methods: The cost-effectiveness analysis included a hypothetical scenario of three doses (2 + 1 regimen) PCV12 introduction in the national immunization program of Thailand compared to no PCV, PCV10, and PCV13 among <6 months old from a societal perspective with a lifetime horizon and one-year cycle length. Data from Thailand, as well as assumptions supported by the literature, were used in the analysis. The price of PCV12 was assumed similar to that of PCV10 or PCV13 for GAVI’s eligible countries based on inputs from stakeholder meeting. A one-way sensitivity analysis was conducted using 0.5–1.5 times the base price of PCV12. Results were presented in incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in terms of monetary value per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. Results: Vaccination with PCV12 among a hypothetical cohort of 100,000 Thai children is expected to avert a total of 5358 cases which includes 5 pneumococcal meningitis, 43 pneumococcal bacteremia, 5144 all-cause pneumonia, and 166 all-cause acute otitis media compared to no vaccination. The national PCV12 vaccination program is a cost-saving strategy compared to the other three strategies. The one-way sensitivity analysis showed PCV12 is a cost-saving strategy when 1.5 times the base price of PCV12 was assumed. Conclusions: Within the limitations of hypothetical assumptions and price points incorporated, the study indicates the potential public health value of PCV12 in Thailand.