Potential cost-effectiveness of a rotavirus immunization program in rural China

• Main Authors: Xuan Yi Wang, Arthorn Riewpaiboon, Lorenz Von Seidlein, Xing Bao Chen, Paul E. Kilgore, Jing Chen Ma, Sun Xiang Qi, Zhi Yong Zhang, Zhi Yong Hao, Ji Chao Chen, Zhi Yi Xu
• Other Authors: Institutes of Biomedical Sciences
• Format: Article
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: Medicine
• Online Access: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/27889
• Institution: Mahidol University

Background. To assess the incidence and economic burden of rotavirus diarrhea and the potential costeffectiveness of a rotavirus immunization program in rural Zhengding County in Hebei Province, China. Methods. Population-based surveillance was conducted during the peak season for diarrhea among children who were <5 years of age in Zhengding County from 14 October 2004 through 19 January 2005. The cost of illness was measured from the perspectives of both patient and society. A decision-analytic model was applied to the cost-effectiveness analysis using real data derived from surveillance and from a cost-of-illness study. Results. During the surveillance period, 500 episodes of diarrhea were registered. Of these 500 episodes, 125 (25%) occurred in patients who were positive for rotavirus. Of these 125 episodes, 63 (50%) occurred in patients who were hospitalized. The overall incidence rate of rotavirus infection was 61.4 cases per 1000 children per year during the 14-week epidemic season. For a Chinese cohort of 5000 newborns, a universal rotavirus immunization program would prevent 1764 cases of rotavirus diarrhea, averting 882 hospitalizations of patients ≤5 years of age. At 2004 prices, the net savings due to the immunization program would be US$14,112 from a societal perspective and US$34,751 from a patient perspective. Conclusion. Rotavirus was a leading cause of severe diarrhea among children <5 years of age and an economic burden for farmers in rural Zhengding County. Rotavirus vaccination should be considered as a potential costeffective measure against rotavirus infection in China. © 2009 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.