Economic impact of influenza vaccination in preschool children.
OBJECTIVE
The economic impact of routine vaccination of preschool children with inactivated influenza vaccine was investigated.


METHODS
A decision analysis was performed using data from the literature. Direct and indirect costs of each vaccination strategy were calculated and compared with a strategy of not vaccinating.


METHODS
Two settings were evaluated: a setting in which vaccination was available during flexible hours and a setting in which vaccination was available only during usual work hours (8:00 am-5:00 pm).


RESULTS
Vaccination resulted in a net cost savings in both settings. The net savings per vaccine recipient were $21.28 in the flexible setting and $1.20 in the restricted setting. Although the analysis was performed for the inactivated vaccine, sensitivity analysis showed that the nasal vaccine could also result in a net cost savings depending on the price of the cold-adapted vaccine when it is licensed.


CONCLUSIONS
Vaccinating preschool children is economically advantageous. Serious consideration should be given to recommending vaccination in this age group.
Cohen
G M
GM
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA.
Nettleman
M D
MD
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004180:Direct Service Costs; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics; D008297:Male; D014611:Vaccination / Q000191:economics*
D007252:Influenza Vaccines