IN3 - How Much do Malaysians Value Dengue Vaccine? Evaluating the Willingness to Pay (WTP) for Hypothetical Dengue Vaccine with Two-Part Model (TPM)

Abstract

Malaysia is experiencing an escalation of dengue cases over the past 5 years. As the dengue vaccine pipeline continues to develop steadily with strong public interests, we seek to elicit the public acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) for hypothetical dengue vaccine in Malaysia. This study was conducted utilising a cross-sectional and contingent valuation method. A total of 400 respondents in Penang, Malaysia were interviewed to evaluate their acceptance and WTP for 2 hypothetical 3-doses dengue vaccines (Vaccine A with 5 years’ protection and Vaccine B with 10 years’ protection). A double-bounded dichotomous-choice questionnaire via a bidding game approach was employed in eliciting the WTP amount. A simple logistic regression model was applied to assess the key determinants of vaccine’s acceptance, whereas the parametric mean WTP value and factors influencing the WTP value was measured by two-part model (TPM). Results showed that 88.4% of the respondents would vaccinate themselves if the vaccine were provided free. Respondents with better dengue knowledge and vaccination attitude were more likely to accept dengue vaccine. The adjusted mean WTP for the vaccine was MYR43.93 (US$10.59) per dose (MYR131.79 or US$31.77 per vaccinee). The first step logit estimation from TPM showed that respondents with higher education level or accepted the free vaccine were more likely to pay for the vaccine. The second-stage regression from TPM found that key factors that affected the WTP value were age, gender, occupation, household income, and household dengue prevention practice. The strong acceptance and high WTP value towards dengue vaccine indicates its high value among Malaysians. The WTP estimates provides quantification of the vaccine’s private benefit in disease reduction. Although the findings in this study still deserved further investigation, the people’s preferences-based WTP for the vaccine would complement the scientific decision making and prioritization in the dengue management and vaccine roll-out preparation in Malaysia.