These summary papers were developed in response to a need expressed by advocacy and resource mobilization stakeholders to better communicate the costs of vaccinating a child residing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While the costs of vaccinating a child differ between countries due to variations in vaccine products, vaccine prices negotiated with manufacturers, and differences in vaccine delivery costs, the papers provide benchmark values that can be helpful for advocacy purposes. A standard vaccination schedule has been assumed. The first paper was developed using 2020 vaccine prices and immunization schedule assumptions. An update has been produced using 2024 vaccine prices and immunization schedule assumptions.
On average, the costs of vaccine and injection supplies for a child less than 24 months in LMICs amounted to US$31 in 2024 (compared to US$25 in 2020). When adding delivery costs, the total amount is US$73 (range US$46-US$130) per child. This is compared to US$58 per child in 2020 (range US$37 – US$101).
Image credit: UNICEF
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