title: The cost-effectiveness of a universal influenza vaccination program for adults aged 50-64 years in Australia.
abstract: Currently the Australian government funds universal influenza vaccine for all those aged > or =65 years under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Annual vaccination rates in those aged 50-64 years are significantly lower than vaccination rates in those aged > or =65 years, and currently less than half those at high-risk of influenza-related complications aged 50-64 years are immunised. This study used a decision tree model to examine the cost-effectiveness of lowering the age threshold for the influenza NIP in Australia to include those aged 50-64 years. From a healthcare payer perspective, a new influenza vaccination policy would cost $8908/QALY gained. From a societal perspective, a new influenza vaccination policy would cost $8338/QALY gained. From a governmental perspective, a new influenza vaccination policy would cost $22,408/QALY gained. The most influential parameters in deterministic sensitivity analysis included: probability of death due to influenza, vaccine efficacy against mortality, vaccine uptake, vaccine cost, and vaccine administration cost. Influenza vaccination for people aged 50-64 years appears highly cost-effective, and should be a strong candidate for funding under the NIP.
authors.affiliation: The School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. AnthonyN@chw.edu.au
authors.forename: Anthony T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Newall
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Scuffham
authors.forename: Heath
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Harsley
authors.forename: C Raina
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Macintyre
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000191:economics*; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014611:Vaccination / Q000191:economics
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines