Anti-HPV vaccination: a review of recent economic data for Italy.

The total cost of HPV-related diseases accounts for euro 200-250 million of which euro 210 million is absorbed by the prevention and treatment of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Although both available HPV vaccines are below the threshold value for economic convenience (euro 9,569 and euro 26,361 per QALY-gained for the quadrivalent and bivalent vaccines, respectively), at this point in time long-term economic models developed for Italy seem to indicate the quadrivalent vaccine as the most cost-effective option. Recent publications by official bodies, including the World Health Organization and the Supervisory Authority for Public Contracts in Italy, recommend that the decision-making process be based on both the quality of goods and services as well as the best achievable price.