Vaccine
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0264410X
Volume 29, Issue 6 – pp. 1115-1354 (1 February 2011)

The potential economic value of a hookworm vaccine

Original Research Article
Pages 1201-1210
Bruce Y. Lee, Kristina M. Bacon, Rachel Bailey, Ann E. Wiringa, Kenneth J. Smith

Abstract
Hookworm infection is a significant problem worldwide. As development of hookworm vaccine proceeds, it is essential for vaccine developers and manufacturers, policy makers, and other public health officials to understand the potential costs and benefits of such a vaccine. We developed a decision analytic model to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of introducing a hookworm vaccine into two populations in Brazil: school-age children and non-pregnant women of reproductive age. Results suggest that a vaccine would provide not only cost savings, but potential health benefits to both populations. In fact, the most cost-effective intervention strategy may be to combine vaccine with current drug treatment strategies.