Objective: To compare the cost-benefit of immunization with hepatitis B (HB) vaccine in different endemic areas of HB and to explore the optimal strategy for it.
Methods: Cost-benefit analysis and comprehensive weighted score analysis (CWSA) were used to screen the optimal immunization strategy for low, medium and heavy endemic areas of HB.
Results: Significant economic benefit was obtained in Long-An County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shanghai and Jinan, Shandong Province from HB immunization programs for infants. The greatest benefit cost ratio (BCR) was provided by the low-dose immunization strategy, which was 49.91, 54.53 and 37.68, respectively for heavy, medium and low endemic areas of HB. The maximal net benefit could be obtained by the high-dose immunization strategy with better immune protective efficacy. CWSA showed that the low-dose immunization strategy was the optimal one for HB immunization.
Conclusion: It is suggested that the low-dose immunization strategy be implemented in undeveloped areas to obtain a greater BCR, and the high-dose one be implemented in more developed areas to obtain more net benefit and lower prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen carriage.