Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are unique in the world of routine immunization due to their timing. Many vaccines are given to young children, but HPV vaccination occurs at adolescence, when pediatric visits are no longer routine. As HPV vaccine delivery strategies to reach this population vary by country, so does program cost.
PATH recently worked with immunization program managers on a study to assess operational context and estimate ongoing costs of HPV vaccine delivery (excluding the cost of vaccines and supplies) beyond the introduction years from the perspective of the health system. The study generated evidence on delivering a two-dose HPV vaccination schedule in six countries: Ethiopia, Guyana, Rwanda, Senegal, Sri Lanka, and Uganda.
The results, recently published in the journal Vaccine, shed light on the operational context and costs per HPV vaccine dose delivered. They point to key opportunities that policymakers may wish to consider for greater cost efficiencies, particularly as programs seek to rebuild and accelerate coverage after the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Findings across the six study countries show that HPV vaccines were largely administered through school-based sessions, with variations in the number of doses delivered, the range of other program activities carried out, and cost estimates. Opportunities to increase the number of doses delivered, such as vaccinating multiple cohorts concurrently or adopting a single-dose vaccination schedule, could improve cost efficiency.
Any organization or individual working in the field of immunization economics can submit findings, opportunities, calls to action, or other relevant work below to be shared with our community.