[Costs of pneumococcal infections and cost evaluation of heptavalent conjugate vaccine].

The results of six economic evaluations on heptavalent conjugate pneumococcal vaccination in children are discussed. Although the data of most studies come from estimates, the last study from US, in which data are based on a large randomized trial, shows encouraging results. Similar results are obtained in an economic evaluation performed in Germany, although the study is based on estimated data. The paper concludes stressing the need to improve epidemiological, clinical and economical knowledge on the pneumococcal diseases, in order to identify the best cost-effectiveness strategy to prevent a diseases so important for children and the elderly.