[Costs and benefits of vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b]

Abstract

In the Netherlands, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) causes invasive disease in hundreds of children every year; meningitis is the most frequent and most severe infection. Children from the age of 6 months can be protected against Hib-diseases by conjugated vaccines. The financial consequences of the introduction of such vaccine into the state vaccination programme are considered in a cost-effectiveness analysis. Some elements in the analysis are still uncertain, such as the price and the schedule and method of administration of the vaccine. Presumably, the costs and benefits will be in balance, if one vaccine dose will cost about 7 US $+ and if the administration can be combined with the present programme of vaccinations against diphtheria, whooping cough, poliomyelitis and tetanus.