Researchers Further Support Findings Showing Cost Savings of RSV Vaccination

Researchers found cost-effective benefits with vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among individuals 60 years and older, according to a study conducted by the University of Michigan and the CDC. The results furthered findings published in Canadian Medical Association Journal, which emphasized targeting vaccination programs to individuals with preexisting health conditions as a cost-effective solution to reducing RSV infection.^1,2

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"As RSV continues to pose a serious threat to individuals in this age group, the goal is for these findings to provide timely insights for healthcare decision-makers and policymakers," said David Hutton, corresponding author of the study and professor of health management and policy and global public health at U-M's School of Public Health, in a news release.¹

RSV illness results in an estimated 60,000 to 160,000 hospitalizations and 6000 to 10,000 deaths each year in the US among individuals 65 years and older. The risk of severe outcomes from RSV requiring hospitalization increase with age, and the annual RSV-attributable costs among adults 60 years and older are projected to be $6.6 billion, according to study authors.³

Researchers assessed 2 RSV vaccines, Arexvy (GSK) and Abrysvo (Pfizer), which were granted FDA approval for adults 60 years and older to prevent RSV lower respiratory tract disease. Following the approval, the CDC issued a recommendation that adults aged 60 years and older receive a single dose of RSV vaccination. The study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the 2 vaccines compared to no vaccination among older adults in the US. The study authors noted that the analysis focused on the extent of RSV vaccination in connection with cost-effectiveness in adults 60 to 65 years of age and adults older than 65 years.³

According to the release, the researchers analyzed quality-adjusted life-years lost (QALY), and societal costs associated with RSV infection in a decision-analytical model of RSV illness that simulated the effects of a single-dose RSV vaccine.^1,3

The results showed that the costs differed by age group and type of vaccine, and further findings revealed that vaccine efficacy, the incidence of RSV related hospitalizations, and vaccine costs had the most significant impact on the cost per QALY saved, according to study authors.¹

The study authors noted that the societal cost per QALY saved was $196,842 for Arexvy and $176,557 for Abrysvo for adults 60 years and older, and $162,138 for Arexvy and $146,543 for Abrysvo for adults aged 65 and older. However, the cost per QALY saved was higher for adults aged 60 to 65, at $385,826 for Arexvy and $385,829 for Abrysvo.¹

The researchers estimated that a 20% uptake among individuals 65 years and older vaccinated with Arexvy or Abrysvo would reduce outpatient RSV illnesses by 10% to 11% and hospitalizations and in-hospital deaths by 13.5% to 14.7%. Additionally, the researchers found that the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent 1 hospitalization was between 364 and 395 for all adults aged 65 years and older. However, the NNV decreased for adults 75 years and older, with 244 needed to prevent 1 hospitalization.^1,3

"We view this as a pivotal study that highlights the potential of RSV vaccination to make significant public health and economic impacts for older adults," Hutton said in a news release.¹

The findings suggest that RSV vaccination could be cost-effective among adults 60 years and older, with the ability to decrease vaccine costs and sustain efficacy. However, the researchers noted that further investigation needs to be conducted to determine the long-term efficacy of RSV vaccination.^1,3

"We look forward to continuing working with CDC to determine the best ways to use our health resources to prevent respiratory disease," said Hutton, in a news release.¹

REFERENCES

1. New RSV vaccine for older adults can result in individual and societal cost savings, benefits. EurekAlert!. News release. September 5, 2024. Accessed October 1, 2024. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1056995.

2. Ferruggia K. RSV Vaccination Among Older Adults With Chronic Conditions Could be Cost Effective. Pharmacy Times. News release. September 28, 2024. Accessed October 1, 2024. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/rsv-vaccination-among-older-adults-with-chronic-conditions-could-be-cost-effective.

3. Cost-effectiveness of vaccinating adults aged 60 years and older against respiratory syncytial virus. Science Direct. News release. September 5, 2024. Accessed October 1, 2024. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0264410X24009769?via%3Dihub.