Cost-Effectiveness of Infant and Maternal RSV Immunization Strategies, in British Columbia, Canada
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Background
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in young children and results in significant healthcare burden and costs. To reduce the impact of RSV in this population, the monoclonal antibody palivizumab has historically been used. Recently, new preventive options have become available, including a longer-acting monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab) and a maternal vaccine (RSVpreF).
Methods
We developed a discrete-event simulation model using epidemiological and cost data from British Columbia, Canada, and published efficacy estimates. The model simulated a cohort of 100,000 newborns and followed them up to 24 months. We conducted the analysis from a healthcare system perspective, evaluating five immunization strategies: (1) the historical palivizumab standard of care for high-risk children; (2) nirsevimab for high- and moderate-risk children; (3) in-season maternal RSVpreF vaccination combined with nirsevimab for high-risk children; (4) in-season maternal RSVpreF plus nirsevimab for high- and moderate-risk children; and (5) nirsevimab for all infants. We conducted a sequential cost-effectiveness analysis, ordering strategies by cost, excluding dominated or extendedly dominated options, and evaluating the remaining strategies stepwise. To support policy interpretation, we also performed a pairwise analysis comparing each strategy directly with the historical standard of care.
Results
In the sequential analysis, strategy 2 was the most cost-effective option. Strategy 4 provided additional health gains but was not cost-effective incrementally (ICER ≈ $119,000 per QALY vs strategy 2). Strategy 5 offered the greatest overall health benefits but was the least cost-effective option. When compared directly with the historical standard of care, however, strategy 4 was cost-effective (ICER ≈ $18,000 per QALY).
Interpretation
These findings support policy recommendations to prioritize nirsevimab for high- and moderate-risk infants as the most cost-effective strategy. Maternal RSVpreF vaccination offers added health benefits and is cost-effective compared with the historical standard of care, though not when considered incrementally.
