Delayed Transition to 20-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Pediatric National Immunization Programs: Forgone Public Health and Economic Benefit.

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the approval of a 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) for pediatric use in many regions globally, integration of PCV20 into national immunization programs (NIPs) is delayed in some countries. We explored the public health and economic benefits forfeited by postponing transitions from lower-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) to PCV20.

Methods: A targeted literature review (TLR) identified modeling studies comparing the public health and economic impact of PCV20 versus 13-valent PCV (PCV13) or 15-valent PCV (PCV15) in pediatric NIPs. Only studies with accessible models underwent data extraction and analysis. Foregone public health (pneumococcal disease cases/disease-related deaths) and economic (medical/non-medical costs) outcomes, defined as the projected incremental differences between the outcomes associated with PCV20 and lower-valent PCVs, were calculated over 2 years following PCV20 implementation (per year and month). Discount rates for all outcomes were adjusted to 0% given the short time horizon and for consistency across analyses.

Results: The TLR identified models from 13 countries globally. The monthly health benefits forgone due to delayed transitions from PCV13 to PCV20 ranged between 40 (Slovakia) and 1740 (Canada) pneumococcal disease cases averted in the first year of delay across populations, increasing by between 1.5 (Sweden) and 15-16 times (Germany and Mexico) in the second year. Forgone cumulative disease-related deaths averted ranged from 18 (Spain) to 2657 (Germany) and forgone cumulative direct medical cost-savings ranged from 930 thousand Euros (Portugal) to 146 million Euros (Germany) due to delayed transitions from PCV13 to PCV20 over 2 years. Similar, but slightly reduced, benefits were forfeited with delayed transitions from PCV15 to PCV20.

Conclusion: Delays in implementing PCV20 into pediatric NIPs were projected to have substantial negative public health and economic consequences. These results underscore the necessity for national immunization technical advisory groups, policymakers, health organizations, and manufacturers to accelerate replacement of lower-valent standard-of-care PCVs with PCV20.