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September 6, 2024 — In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of Michigan and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have revealed that vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for adults aged 60 and older is likely to be a cost-effective strategy. Published in the journal Vaccine, the study highlights the significant potential for these newly approved vaccines to improve both individual health outcomes and societal costs.
The research evaluated two recently approved RSV vaccines: Arexvy by GSK and Abrysvo by Pfizer, while excluding Moderna’s mRESVIA. These vaccines are now available to adults 60 and older, with the CDC recommending a single dose for those over 75 and for those over 60 at increased risk of severe disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for these vaccines in May 2023, marking a significant advancement in the fight against RSV, which causes an estimated 60,000 to 160,000 hospitalizations and 6,000 to 10,000 deaths annually among adults aged 67 and older.
David Hutton, the corresponding author of the study and a professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health, called the findings pivotal. “This study underscores the potential of RSV vaccination to deliver substantial public health and economic benefits for older adults,” he said. Historically, RSV vaccinations were primarily used for high-risk infants, but the new focus on older adults aims to address the serious risks posed by RSV in this age group.
The study assessed the cost-effectiveness of the vaccines by analyzing various health care utilization metrics, including outpatient visits, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. The researchers calculated quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) lost and the societal costs associated with RSV, revealing significant variations in cost-effectiveness based on age and vaccine type.
For adults aged 60 and older, the societal cost per QALY saved was $196,842 for GSK’s Arexvy and $176,557 for Pfizer’s Abrysvo. However, the cost decreased for adults aged 65 and older, with $162,138 for GSK and $146,543 for Pfizer. Conversely, the cost per QALY saved was notably higher for adults aged 60 to 64, at $385,829 for GSK and $331,486 for Pfizer.
The study suggests that RSV vaccination could be particularly cost-effective for older adults, especially those of advanced age. Future considerations include the impact of reduced vaccine costs and sustained efficacy over multiple RSV seasons. While the findings are promising, researchers acknowledge uncertainties regarding long-term vaccine efficacy.
“We are eager to continue collaborating with the CDC to optimize the use of our health resources and prevent respiratory diseases,” said Hutton, who also holds a position in operations and industrial engineering at the University of Michigan College of Engineering.
The research team also includes Lisa Prosser, Angela Rose, and Kerra Mercon from the University of Michigan, along with Ismael Ortega-Sanchez, Andrew Leidner, Fiona Havers, Mila Prill, Michael Whitaker, Lauren Roper, Jamison Pike, Amadea Britton, and Michael Melgar from the CDC.
For further details, refer to the study: David W. Hutton et al, “Cost-effectiveness of vaccinating adults aged 60 years and older against respiratory syncytial virus,” Vaccine (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126294.
