Costs estimation of three models of COVID-19 vaccination in Beijing, China

Abstract

Since the emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 vaccine in 2021, the Chinese government has used three vaccination models: vaccination clinic, mass vaccination center, and door-to-door service. This study compared these three different models, focusing on costs, and implementation in each vaccination strategy. A cross-sectional study, conducted during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign from January 1 to 20, 2021, utilized a questionnaire to collect data on vaccination sites and conducted a random sample costs analysis of three models. Data on costs, including construction, materials, labor, and operations, were gathered through interviews and field surveys to understand resource utilization and personnel involvement in vaccination activities. Beijing's COVID-19 vaccination campaign involved 580 locations administering 1,829,324 doses. The numbers of vaccination clinics, mass vaccination centers, and door-to-door service were 233, 137, and 210. The total doses administered at vaccination clinics, mass vaccination centers, and door-to-door service numbered 465,721 (25.5 %), 991,444 (54.2 %), and 372,159 (20.3 %), respectively. The median daily doses administered at vaccination clinics, mass vaccination centers, and door-to-door service were 124, 453, and 540, respectively. The daily costs of the vaccination clinic, mass vaccination center, and door-to-door service were $4644.1, $22,746.5, and $4109.6, respectively, and the costs per dose were $12.9, $10.5, and $7.4, respectively. We concluded that there are significant variations in costs and efficiency across the three vaccination models. We must comprehensively consider the available regional resources, the target population for vaccination, the expected vaccination effect, and other factors to choose an appropriate vaccination model.