The Full Value of Vaccine Assessments (FVVA): A Framework to Assess and Communicate the Value of Vaccines for Investment and Introduction Decision Making

Abstract

Objectives: The optimal development, use and impact of vaccines can be hindered by a number of seemingly distinct, but interrelated obstacles, which need to be addressed with a single over-arching strategy encompassing all stakeholders.

Methods: We propose a framework on the Full Value of Vaccines Assessments (FVVA) to guide the assessment and communication of the value of vaccines, to facilitate alignment among key stakeholders, and to improve decision-making around investment in vaccine development, policy, procurement, and introduction, for vaccines intended for use in LMICs.

Results: The framework outlines three functions of FVVA that will facilitate the achievement of afore-mentioned objectives. First, existing methods and tools need to be adapted to include broader benefits of vaccines as well as opportunity costs borne by stakeholders (assessment). Second, the increasing focus on the agency of stakeholders and country ownership of decision-making and priority setting should be reflected in the deliberative FVVA process to ensure introduction, equitable vaccine access and coverage, and sustainable impact (decision making). Finally, FVVAs should facilitate communication about the full value of vaccines and enhance alignment and coordination across diverse stakeholders (communication).

Conclusions: The framework on FVVA serves to guide stakeholders in organizing global-level efforts to invest in vaccines that are priorities for LMICs, and overcome hurdles to expand sustainable and equitable impacts of vaccines and immunization programs.

Note: Funding Statement: None reported.

Declaration of Interests: All authors declare no conflicts of interest in relation to this article.

Keywords: Vaccine, vaccination, immunization, research and development, decision making, priority setting, economic evaluations, health technology assessment, low and middle income countries