The Netherlands adopts a new approach to safeguard infants against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), combining maternal vaccination with the administration of the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab.
Comprehensive Evaluation Method
Researchers employed a cohort model to assess both clinical and economic outcomes related to RSV lower respiratory tract disease (RSV-LRTD) within the first year of life. The study compared three scenarios: infants receiving the RSVpreF vaccine alongside nirsevimab, nirsevimab alone, and no intervention. Utilizing Dutch-specific data, the model accounted for disease incidence, mortality rates, treatment costs, and other relevant factors. Intervention uptake was projected at 70%, based on Phase III trial effectiveness data, and analyses were conducted from a societal perspective with appropriate discount rates applied.
Key Findings on Cost-Effectiveness
Without any preventive measures, an estimated 10,482 RSV-LRTD cases would occur, costing approximately €17.4 million. Administering nirsevimab alone could prevent around 4,905 cases, yielding an additional 100 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) but increasing total costs by €59.3 million, resulting in a cost-effectiveness ratio of €592,404 per QALY. In contrast, the combined use of RSVpreF and nirsevimab prevented 4,723 cases, provided 108 QALYs, and raised costs by €35.5 million, achieving a more favorable cost-effectiveness ratio of €329,187 per QALY.
- The combined maternal vaccine and nirsevimab approach offers better cost-efficiency than using nirsevimab alone.
- High intervention costs remain a significant factor despite improved cost-effectiveness ratios.
- Assumed intervention uptake and real-world effectiveness could alter the overall economic outcomes.
The analysis highlights that integrating maternal RSVpreF vaccination with nirsevimab administration presents a more economically viable strategy compared to deploying nirsevimab in isolation. This combined approach not only reduces the incidence of RSV-LRTD more effectively but also does so at a relatively lower incremental cost per QALY gained.
Policy implications suggest that adopting the maternal vaccine alongside nirsevimab could lead to significant public health benefits while managing healthcare expenditures more efficiently. Stakeholders must consider funding mechanisms to support the combined intervention, ensuring broader access and maximizing the preventive impact.
Future research should explore long-term outcomes and potential cost reductions through economies of scale or advancements in intervention technologies. Additionally, evaluating the real-world implementation challenges will be crucial for optimizing the strategy’s effectiveness and sustainability.
Investing in comprehensive RSV prevention measures positions the Netherlands to better protect its infant population, reduce healthcare burdens, and achieve more sustainable economic outcomes in managing respiratory diseases.
This article has been prepared with the assistance of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author.
