Objective  To analyze total cost and cost structure of hepatitis B (HB) vaccine immunization program in Beijing from 1992 to 2013 and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness relationship between the program implementation and the reported incidence of HB-related liver cancer.

  Methods  We collected data on HB vaccine immunization program and reported incidence rate of liver cancer for the population of Beijing city from 1992 to 2013 published by public health institutions and governmental agencies. Total and components of the cost for the HB vaccine immunization program were estimated with expert consultation method. Analyses on total cost, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, and marginal effectiveness of HB vaccine immunization program in relation to liver cancer incidence were performed.

  Results  The total cost of HB vaccine immunization increased as a whole during the period, with an obvious increase in amount and ratio of manpower cost and an apparent reduction in amount and ratio of the vaccine cost. The reported liver cancer incidence rate rose first and then declined during the period with the increase of HB vaccine immunization total cost. The cost-effectiveness ratio of HB vaccine immunization in relation to HB-related liver cancer incidence rate showed an increasing trend generally within the period, with a better incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the duration from 1999 to 2005.

  Conclusion  The total cost of the hepatitis B vaccine immunization program in Beijing was increasing reasonably, with a greater increment ratio of manpower cost, from 1992 to 2013. The cost-effectiveness of HB vaccine immunization in relation to HB-related liver cancer incidence rate is generally satisfactory in Beijing city from 1992 to 2013 and the result highlights continuous implementation and improvement of the program.