RT Journal
A1 Zhou F, Santoli J, Messonnier ML, et al
T1 EConomic evaluation of the 7-vaccine routine childhood immunization schedule in the united states, 2001
JF Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
JO Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
YR 2005
FD December 1
VO 159
IS 12
SP 1136
OP 1144
DO 10.1001/archpedi.159.12.1136
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.159.12.1136
AB Objective 
    To evaluate the economic impact of the routine US childhood immunization schedule: diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis; tetanus and diphtheria toxoids; Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate; inactivated poliovirus; measles, mumps, and rubella; hepatitis B; and varicella vaccines.Design 
    Decision tree–based analysis was conducted using population-based vaccination coverage, published vaccine efficacies, historical data on disease incidence before vaccination, and disease incidence reported for 1995-2001. Costs were estimated using the direct cost and societal (direct and indirect costs) perspectives. Program costs included vaccine, administration, vaccine-associated adverse events, and parent travel and time lost. All costs were inflated to 2001 US dollars, and all costs and benefits in the future were discounted at a 3% annual rate.Participants 
    A hypothetical 2001 US birth cohort of 3 803 295 infants was followed up from birth through death.Main Outcome Measures 
    Net present value (net savings) and benefit-cost ratios of routine immunization.Results 
    Routine childhood immunization with the 7 vaccines was cost saving from the direct cost and societal perspectives, with net savings of $9.9 billion and $43.3 billion, respectively. Without routine vaccination, direct and societal costs of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, H influenzae type b, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, hepatitis B, and varicella would be $12.3 billion and $46.6 billion, respectively. Direct and societal costs for the vaccination program were an estimated $2.3 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively. Direct and societal benefit-cost ratios for routine childhood vaccination were 5.3 and 16.5, respectively.Conclusion 
    Regardless of the perspective, the current routine childhood immunization schedule results in substantial cost savings.