Willingness to pay for a dengue vaccine in Iran: Insights from a contingent valuation study.

BACKGROUND

Vaccination is crucial for controlling infectious diseases like dengue. Vaccine acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) significantly impact vaccination programs' success but remain unexplored in Iran. This study estimates the population's WTP for a dengue vaccine (DV) and its determinants.

METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This descriptive-analytical study involved 1,031 adults aged over 18 years. WTP for the DV was estimated using the double-bounded dichotomous choice (DBDC) contingent valuation method (CVM) with an interval data approach. Model parameters were estimated via the maximum likelihood method. Data analysis was conducted using Stata version 17. Approximately 66% of participants indicated a WTP for a DV. The mean WTP was 11,129,000 Iranian Rials (IRR) (95% CI: 10,374-11,884; p < 0.001) (≈13.9 USD; 1 USD ≈ 800,000 IRR, December 2024-May 2025). Compared with reference groups, being married, having high school or university education, middle or high socioeconomic status, and moderate or high perceived dengue risk were associated with higher WTP, while participants aged ≥61 years had lower WTP.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher risk perception, greater socioeconomic status, higher level of educational, and older age were identified as significant determinants of WTP for the DV. Subsidizing the vaccine for lower-income groups and raising awareness about dengue infection risk, particularly among individuals with lower educational levels, may enhance vaccine uptake and contribute to more effective dengue prevention efforts in Iran.