Economic evaluation of pediatric influenza immunization program compared with other pediatric immunization programs:...

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Vaccinology
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Economic evaluations of pediatric immunization programs are crucial for resource allocation.
• Recent studies (2000 onwards) provide valuable data on the cost-effectiveness of various childhood vaccines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the economic value of pediatric influenza immunization programs with those for rotavirus, meningococcal disease, pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B, and varicella.
• To synthesize findings from recent cost-effectiveness studies to inform public health and vaccination strategies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of PubMed, health technology, and vaccination databases.
• Inclusion of 51 economic evaluation studies (2000 onwards), with 10 focusing on influenza and 41 on other selected pediatric vaccines.
• Quality assessment of eligible studies using Drummond's checklist.

Main Results:

• Pediatric influenza immunization programs demonstrate cost-effectiveness and cost-saving from EU5 and US perspectives.
• Cost per Quality-Adjusted Life-Year (QALY) for influenza vaccines were generally lower than for rotavirus, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, and pneumococcal disease vaccines.
• Key factors influencing economic impact include vaccine efficacy, immunization coverage, costs, and herd immunity.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric influenza immunization is a potentially cost-effective strategy compared to human papillomavirus and varicella vaccines.
• Influenza immunization programs may offer greater economic value than other routine childhood vaccines (rotavirus, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, pneumococcal disease).
• Findings support the strategic implementation of pediatric influenza vaccination for enhanced public health and economic benefits.