Future strategic plan for national immunisation program in Iran: cost effectiveness of acellular pertussis versus whole-cell

We investigated the new strategic plan of immunisation against whooping cough by conducting cost effectiveness analysis of acellular whooping cough vaccination compared with whole-cell vaccination, a current strategy used in the Iranian national immunisation program. We used a decision tree model together with sensitivity analysis to find the results. The findings of this study suggest that the implementation of acellular immunisation program for children and acellular immunisation program for high-risk groups are the most cost-effective strategies in Iran by US$12,691 incremental cost per disability adjusted life years averted. The results also suggest that acellular vaccine for children is cost-effective scenario in Iran when resulting from whole-cell vaccine associated side-effects is accounted. This study contributes to the literature on the factors that decrease healthcare sector costs. The study also provides critical policy recommendations for the decision makers in the healthcare sector. The findings may be useful for decision makers in the healthcare sectors and the government of Iran.