Economic evaluation of rotavirus vaccinations in Finland: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of tetravalent rhesus rotavirus vaccine

Clin Infect Dis. 1998 Aug;27(2):272-82. doi: 10.1086/514650.

Abstract

The cost-benefit ratio of tetravalent rhesus rotavirus vaccine (RRV-TV) in Finland for prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis was assessed in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Costs related to vaccination, side effects, and gastroenteritis were identified. Children received RRV-TV (n = 1,191) or placebo (n = 1,207) at 2, 3, and 5 months of age with other infant vaccinations. Prospective follow-up averaged 1.0 years per child. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed from the perspective of society. Nine cases of severe rotavirus gastroenteritis occurred in the RRV-TV group, versus 100 in the placebo group (P < .0001); mean cost per vaccinated child was 4 Finnish marks (FIM) in the RRV-TV group, versus 203 FIM in the placebo group. Side effects with related costs occurred after 11% and 7% of doses in the RRV-TV group and placebo group, respectively (P < .001); mean cost per child was 89 FIM vs. 75 FIM. The break-even cost (i.e., net benefit, excluding cost of vaccine) of RRV-TV in prevention of severe rotavirus gastroenteritis was 109 FIM (U.S. $19.60) per child.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Finland
  • Gastroenteritis / economics
  • Gastroenteritis / prevention & control
  • Gastroenteritis / virology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Rotavirus / immunology*
  • Rotavirus Infections / economics
  • Rotavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Rotavirus Vaccines*
  • Vaccination / economics*
  • Vaccines, Attenuated* / administration & dosage
  • Vaccines, Attenuated* / economics
  • Vaccines, Attenuated* / immunology
  • Viral Vaccines* / administration & dosage
  • Viral Vaccines* / economics
  • Viral Vaccines* / immunology

Substances

  • Rotavirus Vaccines
  • Vaccines, Attenuated
  • Viral Vaccines
  • rhesus rotavirus vaccine