Cost-benefit analysis of two strategies for prevention of Haemophilus influenzae type b infection
Hay J W, Daum R S
Record Status
This is a critical abstract of an economic evaluation that meets the criteria for inclusion on NHS EED. Each abstract contains a brief summary of the methods, the results and conclusions followed by a detailed critical assessment on the reliability of the study and the conclusions drawn.
Health technology
Strategies for the prevention of Haemophilus influenzae type b.
Type of intervention
Primary prevention.
Economic study type
Cost-benefit analysis.
Study population
Hypothetical cohort of children.
Setting
The study was carried out in the USA.
Dates to which data relate
Price related to 1985.
Source of effectiveness data
Review of studies and opinions.
Modelling
Epidemiological cohort model (model of survival and disease).
Measure of benefits used in the economic analysis
Monetary benefits, calculated using a valuation of human life approach.
Direct costs
Immunisation costs were to the health service, relatives and other agencies and included vaccine, treatment of disease, long term care, special education, and social services, prophylaxis. Price related to 1985.
Indirect Costs
Indirect costs were considered.
Currency
US dollars ($).
Sensitivity analysis
A sensitivity analysis was carried out using the method of single parameter variation.
CRD Commentary
(This commentary was not written by CRD, but by the authors of the DH Register.) 1) The study is a full cost-benefit analysis including the valuation of human life. As such, it is not directly comparable with costs per QALY valuations. 2) The effectiveness of capsular polysaccharide immunisation is highly uncertain. 3) The incidence of morbidity following disease and its associated costs is uncertain. This makes the baseline findings speculative. 4) The parameters investigated by sensitivity analysis and the ranges of values were not adequately justified. 5) Vaccine side-effects were considered in the sensitivity analysis.
Bibliographic details
Hay J W, Daum R S. Cost-benefit analysis of two strategies for prevention of Haemophilus influenzae type b infection. Pediatrics 1987; 80(3): 319-329