# Willingness to pay for a dengue vaccine in Iran: Insights from a contingent valuation study

## TL;DR

This study finds that about two-thirds of Iranian adults are willing to pay around $14 for a dengue vaccine, with willingness influenced by education, income, and perceived risk.

## Contribution

The study provides the first assessment of willingness to pay for a dengue vaccine in Iran and identifies key demographic and socioeconomic determinants.

## Key findings

- Approximately 66% of participants were willing to pay for a dengue vaccine.
- Higher education, income, and perceived dengue risk were associated with greater willingness to pay.
- Subsidizing vaccines for lower-income groups and public awareness campaigns could improve vaccine uptake.

## Abstract

Vaccination is crucial for controlling infectious diseases like dengue. Vaccine acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) significantly impact vaccination programs’ success but remain unexplored in Iran. This study estimates the population’s WTP for a dengue vaccine (DV) and its determinants.

This descriptive-analytical study involved 1,031 adults aged over 18 years. WTP for the DV was estimated using the double-bounded dichotomous choice (DBDC) contingent valuation method (CVM) with an interval data approach. Model parameters were estimated via the maximum likelihood method. Data analysis was conducted using Stata version 17. Approximately 66% of participants indicated a WTP for a DV. The mean WTP was 11,129,000 Iranian Rials (IRR) (95% CI: 10,374–11,884; p < 0.001) (≈13.9 USD; 1 USD ≈ 800,000 IRR, December 2024–May 2025). Compared with reference groups, being married, having high school or university education, middle or high socioeconomic status, and moderate or high perceived dengue risk were associated with higher WTP, while participants aged ≥61 years had lower WTP.

Higher risk perception, greater socioeconomic status, higher level of educational, and older age were identified as significant determinants of WTP for the DV. Subsidizing the vaccine for lower-income groups and raising awareness about dengue infection risk, particularly among individuals with lower educational levels, may enhance vaccine uptake and contribute to more effective dengue prevention efforts in Iran.

Dengue fever is an illness spread by mosquitoes that can lead to serious health problems. Vaccination is one way to prevent dengue, but in Iran, we do not know how much people are willing to pay for such a vaccine or what influences their decision. In our study, we asked more than 1,000 Iranian adults about their WTP for a DV. About two-thirds said they would be willing to pay, with an average amount of around 14 US dollars. People were more likely to pay if they were older, had higher education and income, or felt that dengue was a greater risk. These results suggest that if dengue becomes a health concern in Iran, reducing the vaccine cost for lower-income groups and raising public awareness about dengue could increase vaccine uptake. Our findings provide useful evidence for health authorities to plan future dengue prevention strategies and make vaccines more accessible to everyone.