Introducing an Expanded Value Framework in Health Technology Assessment of Vaccines.

Abstract

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) frameworks increasingly recognize the broader value elements of vaccines; however, their adoption remains inconsistent across jurisdictions and often incomplete in practice. Many HTA processes continue to prioritize narrow clinical outcomes and direct costs, leading to the underrepresentation of the full preventive and long-term benefits of vaccination. Building on the ISPOR "Elements of Value" framework and recent evidence, this study adapts and expands existing models specifically for vaccines to enhance HTA applicability in both high-income and resource-limited settings. We introduce an updated vaccine value framework comprising 21 distinct value elements. Notably, the original model was expanded by introducing four entirely new value drivers: (1) real-world evidence; (2) control of antimicrobial resistance; (3) health system strengthening; and (4) environmental impact. Additionally, existing elements were refined, such as broadening "fear of contagion" to "peace of mind" and expanding "productivity" to capture education and leisure gains. We map these elements to potential data sources and methodological tools to facilitate their inclusion in HTA. This study offers an operational, holistic, and context-sensitive framework that reflects current advancements in assessment. By capturing the full spectrum of vaccine value, this framework aims to support more comprehensive, transparent, and equitable HTA decision-making for global immunization programs, while considering conceptual overlap between value elements to reduce the risk of double counting.