Health and economic impact of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in hindering antimicrobial resistance in China

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious threat to global public health. However, vaccinations have been largely undervalued as a method to hinder AMR progression. This study examined the AMR impact of increasing pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) coverage in China. China has one of the world’s highest rates of antibiotic use and low PCV coverage. We developed an agent-based DREAMR (Dynamic Representation of the Economics of AMR) model to examine the health and economic benefits of slowing AMR against commonly used antibiotics. We simulated PCV coverage, pneumococcal infections, antibiotic use, and AMR accumulation. 

Cumulative costs due to AMR, including direct and indirect costs to patients and caretakers, were reduced by $371 million in the scaled and $586 million in the accelerated scenarios compared to the status quo. AMR-reducing benefits of vaccines are essential to quantify in order to drive appropriate investment.