• A study was done in Kerala to analyze the cost-effectiveness of the hepatitis A vaccine.

• The study evaluated three strategies for hepatitis A vaccination, which include the following:

    1. No vaccination

    2. Hepatitis A vaccination without screening

    3. Hepatitis A vaccination following screening for HAV antibodies

• The study included live attenuated and inactivated hepatitis A vaccines, using a Decision-tree and Markov model.

• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness, the study included direct medical, non-medical, and indirect costs related to HAV infection.

• The results of the study are as follows:

1. Both vaccines, with or without screening, were found to be cost-saving.

2. Vaccination with either was found to save 1.18% to 2.12% of the government budget.

3. The screening strategies offered additional savings.

4. An additional budget of ₹1,992 million and ₹6,328 million was needed for the administration of live attenuated vaccine and inactivated vaccine, respectively. 

• Results aligned with studies from other middle-income countries, supporting the integration of vaccination into public health programs.

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