Objective
To estimate the economic impact likely to be achieved by efforts to vaccinate against 10 vaccine-preventable diseases between
2001 and 2020 in 73 low- and middle-income countries largely supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
Methods
We used health impact models to estimate the economic impact of achieving forecasted coverages for vaccination against
Haemophilus influenzae
type b, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus, Japanese encephalitis, measles,
Neisseria meningitidis
serogroup A,
rotavirus, rubella,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
and yellow fever. In comparison with no vaccination, we modelled the costs – expressed in
2010 United States dollars (US$) – of averted treatment, transportation costs, productivity losses of caregivers and productivity losses due
to disability and death. We used the value-of-a-life-year method to estimate the broader economic and social value of living longer, in
better health, as a result of immunization.
Findings
We estimated that, in the 73 countries, vaccinations given between 2001 and 2020 will avert over 20 million deaths and save
US$
350 billion in cost of illness. The deaths and disability prevented by vaccinations given during the two decades will result in estimated
lifelong productivity gains totalling US$
330 billion and US$
9 billion, respectively. Over the lifetimes of the vaccinated cohorts, the same
vaccinations will save an estimated US$
5 billion in treatment costs. The broader economic and social value of these vaccinations is estimated
at US$
820 billion.
Conclusion
By preventing significant costs and potentially increasing economic productivity among some of the world’s poorest countries,
the impact of immunization goes well beyond health.