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An economic analysis of annual influenza vaccination of children
Martin I Meltzer1, Kathleen M Neuzil, Marie R Griffin
1Mailstop D-59, OS/OD/NCID/CDC, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. qzm4@cdc.gov
Insights
Annual influenza vaccination for children, especially those at high risk, offers significant cost savings. Maximizing vaccination coverage in high-risk groups improves health outcomes and reduces overall healthcare expenses.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Economics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Influenza vaccination is a key public health intervention for children.
- Economic evaluations are crucial for optimizing vaccination strategies.
- Identifying cost-effective vaccination targets is essential for resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the net economic returns of annual influenza vaccination in children.
- To analyze the cost-benefit of vaccinating different age groups and risk stratifications.
- To identify optimal vaccination cost thresholds for achieving economic savings.
Main Methods:
- A Monte Carlo mathematical model was employed for cost-benefit analysis.
- Cohorts of 1000 children were simulated across three age groups (6-23 months, 6-59 months, 5-14 years).
- Varying proportions of high-risk children (0%, 10%, 100%) were included in the model.
Main Results:
- Vaccinating 100% high-risk children yielded median net savings across all age groups, irrespective of vaccination cost (US$30-60/dose).
- Median threshold vaccination costs for 10% high-risk cohorts were US$48, $46, and $45 per dose for the respective age groups.
- The probability of death was the most influential factor in the model's economic projections.
Conclusions:
- Maximizing influenza vaccination coverage among high-risk children is economically beneficial.
- Targeted vaccination strategies can lead to substantial cost savings and improved public health outcomes.
- The study underscores the economic advantages of prioritizing high-risk pediatric populations for influenza immunization.
Abstract:
We used a Monte Carlo mathematical model to calculate the net economic returns (cost-benefit analysis) from annually vaccinating children against influenza. The model included cohorts of 1000 children in three different age groups (6-23 months, 6-59 months, and 5-14 years), with different proportions of children with high risk conditions (100, 10, and 0%). Vaccinating cohorts of 100% high risk children in all three age groups produced median net savings, regardless of cost of vaccination examined (US dollar 30-60/dose administered). Median threshold vaccination costs for cohorts containing 10% high risk children were US dollar 48, 46, and 45 per dose administered for age groups 6-23 months, 6-59 months, and 5-14 years, respectively (US dollar/dose administered below these thresholds generate net savings). For all cohorts, for the range of cost per dose administered examined, the 5th percentiles were net costs. The probability of death, though rare, was the most influential distribution in the model. The number of high-risk children that receive influenza vaccine should be maximized to achieve improved health outcomes as well as cost savings.
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