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Cost-effectiveness of influenza vaccination of healthy children

Heini Salo1, Terhi Kilpi, Harri Sintonen

  • 1Department of Vaccines, National Public Health Institute, KTL, 00300 Helsinki, Finland.

Vaccine
|May 9, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Influenza vaccination for children aged 6 months to 13 years is cost-saving in Finland. This study shows that vaccinating children against influenza provides economic benefits for healthcare systems and society.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Health Economics
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Influenza vaccination is recommended for young children in the US and Canada due to high hospitalization rates.
  • Few other countries have adopted similar policies for pediatric influenza vaccination.
  • The cost-effectiveness of pediatric influenza vaccination remains under-established globally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the cost-effectiveness of influenza vaccination for children aged 6 months to 13 years in Finland.
  • To analyze the economic impact of influenza on children and their families from both healthcare provider and societal perspectives.

Main Methods:

  • A decision analysis model was utilized to evaluate cost-effectiveness.
  • The model incorporated comprehensive clinical data on influenza infections, hospital records, and national registers.
  • Analyses were conducted from both healthcare provider and societal viewpoints.

Main Results:

  • Influenza vaccination demonstrated cost savings across all analyzed programs for children up to 13 years old.
  • Investing €1.7 million in vaccinating children under 5 yielded €2.7 million in healthcare savings.
  • Savings per vaccinated child ranged from €5.7 to €12.6, even with 60% vaccine efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Influenza vaccination is a cost-saving strategy for all children up to 13 years of age in Finland.
  • The findings support reconsideration of current influenza vaccine recommendations in countries worldwide.
  • Pediatric influenza vaccination offers significant economic benefits, justifying broader policy adoption.

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