Willingness to Pay for a for a Potential Vaccine Against SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 Among Adult Persons

Abstract

Abstract Background: This study aims to investigate willingness to pay for a potential vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 among adult persons in Romania. The study was conducted during the peak period of the pandemic curve in Europe and Romania, too.Methods: An online survey was developed and delivered to Romanian general population by using two of the largest social networking web services (Facebook and LinkedIn). The questionnaire included demographic data, description of the responder’s financial situation and their willingness to pay for a hypothetical anti COVID-19 vaccine. The study was based on the Van Westendorp Price Sensitivity Meter method.Results: A total of 203 adult subjects participated in the survey; 42.4% male and 55,2% members of a family with at least one child. Mean participants’ age was 44.12 ± 8.9 (mean ± SD). The acceptable price range for a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 was situated between 20 and 200 EUR. Subgroup analyses revealed similar price range in all groups with the notable exception of those with excellent financial situation who selected a 50 to 400 EUR interval. These results match the existing optional various vaccination schemes offered in the private health care sector: 43.2 ± 32.1 EUR. Conclusions: Despite substantial social impact of SARS-CoV-2, potential patients would pay for a perfect vaccination scheme against COVID-19 a price in the same range with the prices of existing vaccination schemes. Our findings could impact the way a vaccination policy will be developed in this context both in terms of general acceptance of vaccine and personal and social costs.