Simplified Mathematical Modelling of Uncertainty: Cost-Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines in Spain

Julio Emilio Marco-Franco, Pedro Barros, Silvia González- de-Julián, Iryna Sabat and David Vivas-Consuelo
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Julio Emilio Marco-Franco: Research Centre for Economics Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Silvia González- de-Julián: Research Centre for Economics Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Iryna Sabat: Nova School of Business and Economics, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2775-405 Carcavelos, Portugal
David Vivas-Consuelo: Research Centre for Economics Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain

Mathematics, 2021, vol. 9, issue 5, 1-15

Abstract: When exceptional situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, arise and reliable data is not available at decision-making times, estimation using mathematical models can provide a reasonable reckoning for health planning. We present a simplified model (static but with two-time references) for estimating the cost-effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. A simplified model provides a quick assessment of the upper bound of cost-effectiveness, as we illustrate with data from Spain, and allows for easy comparisons between countries. It may also provide useful comparisons among different vaccines at the marketplace, from the perspective of the buyer. From the analysis of this information, key epidemiological figures, and costs of the disease for Spain have been estimated, based on mortality. The fatality rate is robust data that can alternatively be obtained from death registers, funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematoria. Our model estimates the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) to be 5132 € (4926–5276) as of 17 February 2021, based on the following assumptions/inputs: An estimated cost of 30 euros per dose (plus transport, storing, and administration), two doses per person, efficacy of 70% and coverage of 70% of the population. Even considering the possibility of some bias, this simplified model provides confirmation that vaccination against COVID-19 is highly cost-effective.

Keywords: COVID-19 vaccination; mathematical modelling; health economics modelling; Best Adjustment of Related Values (BARV); Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA); coronavirus; healthcare expenditures; Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY); Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER); collective choice; discount rate (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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