Cost-Effectiveness of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Adolescent
Girls in Moscow, Russia
Abstract
Introduction: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths
among women in Russia. This high early-age mortality emphasizes the need
to strengthen the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program among
adolescent girls and include it in Russia’s national immunization
schedule. Methods: Using data from the Moscow Department of Health, we
analyzed the economic burden of cervical cancer, estimated girls’ 2022
vaccination coverage, explored challenges and approaches to improve
coverage, and compared the cost-effectiveness of strategies to improve
coverage scenarios and reduce HPV vaccine costs. Conversations with
healthcare workers at healthcare facilities validated coverage estimates
from procurement data based on previous trends and 2020 demographic
data. Results: In 2022, we estimated that 24% of girls aged 12-13 years
were vaccinated. The total cost for a two-dose vaccination per girl was
USD 226.86. HPV vaccination gains 215 quality-adjusted life years
(QALYs) per 100,000 females. The discounted cost of treating cervical
cancer per patient over 29 years is USD 4,889. Comparing the costs of
the HPV program and cervical cancer treatment per 100,000 females, the
program proves to be cost-effective and cost-saving even with costs over
USD 200 per fully vaccinated girl. This study provides evidence for
expanding the HPV vaccination program to other regions of Russia. The
study seeks to reduce cervical cancer morbidity and mortality and
achieve 50% coverage by 2030. We recommend shifting to a one-dose HPV
vaccination strategy and including HPV in the national immunization
schedule.