Project R-16503

Cost-effectiveness of Higher-Valent Pneumococcal Vaccines in the Flemish Infant Immunisation Programme. (Research)

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) remains an important cause of morbidity in young children despite the widespread use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. In Flanders, the current infant vaccination programme uses PCV13 in a 2+1 schedule, but higher-valent vaccines such as PCV15 and PCV20 may offer broader protection. However, evidence on their population-level impact and cost-effectiveness remains limited. This study evaluates the epidemiological and economic impact of introducing higher-valent pneumococcal vaccines in the Flemish childhood immunisation programme. A dynamic transmission model combined with an economic evaluation will estimate disease burden, healthcare costs, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for alternative vaccination strategies, including PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20 with different dosing schedules. The results will support evidence-based policy decisions by identifying vaccination strategies that provide the best balance between health gains and budget impact.

15 January 2026 - 14 January 2027