How and why researchers use the number needed to vaccinate to inform decision making--a systematic review.

Authors :: Hashim A
Dang V
Bolotin S
Crowcroft NS
Source :: Vaccine [Vaccine] 2015 Feb 04; Vol. 33 (6), pp. 753-8. Date of Electronic Publication: 2014 Dec 25.
Publication Year :: 2015
Abstract: Background: The number needed to vaccinate (NNV) is a measure that has been widely used in the scientific literature to draw conclusions about the usefulness and cost-effectiveness of various immunization programmes. The main objective of this review is to examine how and why the NNV has been used and reported in the published literature.<br />Methods: Electronic databases were searched and records were screened against the eligibility criteria by two independent authors. We included papers that reported and interpreted NNV.<br />Results: We identified 27 studies, the designs including observational studies, economic analyses, systematic reviews, and commentaries. The NNV has been used in the literature to describe three main themes: potential benefits of vaccination programmes, cost-effectiveness, and economic analyses, and modelling studies to compare different vaccination strategies.<br />Conclusions: NNV has been used in a wide variety of ways in the literature, yet there are no defined thresholds for what is a favourable NNV. Furthermore, the generalizability of the NNV is usually limited. Further work is required to determine the most appropriate use of this measure.<br /> (Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

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