LAUSR

OBJECTIVES To examine the budget impact of introducing the RotaTeq® vaccine (Merck and Co Inc, West Point, PA) to the national immunization program in Iran. METHODS The pre- and postvaccine introduction costs were compared. The total annual costs included the vaccination and diarrhea treatment costs. The health outcome was the estimated annual cases of the disease. To evaluate the net budget impact, the annual prevaccine introduction cost was reduced from the postvaccine introduction cost. The sensitivity analysis was done to reduce the uncertainties. RESULTS The total cost of vaccination for 5 years would be more than $184 million. Nevertheless, the financial savings would be about $45 million and $7.5 million because of the reduction in the number of patients after vaccination in inpatient and outpatient sectors, respectively. So the incremental cost would be $131 450 210 during 5 years of immunization. CONCLUSIONS The results show that the inclusion of rotavirus vaccine in the national vaccination program would have a significant effect on health budgets and would raise government expenditure.