Project R-16504

Cost-effectiveness of Higher-Valent Pneumococcal Vaccination in Older Adults in Flanders. (Research)

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and pneumococcal pneumonia remain important causes of morbidity and mortality among older adults, particularly those aged 65 years and above. New higher-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, such as PCV20 and PCV21, offer broader serotype coverage and simplified vaccination strategies, but their population-level impact and economic value in Flanders remain uncertain. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of implementing a publicly funded pneumococcal vaccination programme for older adults in Flanders. Using a dynamic transmission model combined with a health economic evaluation, the analysis will estimate disease burden, healthcare costs, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for different adult vaccination strategies, including PCV20 and PCV21. The model will account for interactions with ongoing childhood pneumococcal vaccination programmes and serotype replacement dynamics. The results will inform vaccination policy by identifying strategies that optimise health benefits and budgetary efficiency for an ageing population.

15 January 2026 - 14 January 2027