Extending influenza vaccination to individuals aged 50-64: a budget impact analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Influenza (vernacular name, flu) is a viral infection that causes a high consumption of resources. Several studies have been carried out to provide an economic evaluation of the vaccination programs against influenza. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of evidence about the dynamic effects resulting from the reduction of the transmission power. This study considers the impact on contagiousness of alternative strategies against influenza in people aged 50-64 in Italy, France, Germany, and Spain.


METHODS
By using the Influsim 2.0 dynamic model, we have determined the social benefits of different coverage levels in every country compared with the ones currently recommended. We have subsequently performed a Budget Impact Analysis to determine whether the currently recommended coverage results from an optimal budget allocation. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was also conducted.


RESULTS
We found that in Germany, the optimal coverage level is 38.5 percent, in France 32.4 percent, in Italy 32.75 percent, and 28.3 percent in Spain. By extending the coverage level, social saving tends to increase up to 100 percent for France and Italy and up to 80 percent for Germany and Spain.


CONCLUSIONS
Decision makers should allocate the budget for vaccination against influenza consistently with the estimation of the optimal coverage level and with the dynamic effects resulting from the reduction of the transmission power.
Cicchetti
Americo
A
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy. acicchetti@rm.unicatt.it
Ruggeri
Matteo
M
Gitto
Lara
L
Mennini
Francesco Saverio
FS
D002017:Budgets; D005060:Europe; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000191:economics*; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D008875:Middle Aged; D018803:Models, Economic
D007252:Influenza Vaccines