Cost-Effectiveness of 2009 Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) Vaccination in the United States
2011

Cost-Effectiveness of H1N1 Vaccination in the U.S.

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Lisa A. Prosser, Tara A. Lavelle, Anthony E. Fiore, Carolyn B. Bridges, Carrie Reed, Seema Jain, Kelly M. Dunham, Martin I. Meltzer

Primary Institution: University of Michigan Health System

Hypothesis

The study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the H1N1 vaccination program in the United States.

Conclusion

Vaccination for H1N1 for children and working-age adults is cost-effective compared to other preventive health interventions under a wide range of scenarios.

Supporting Evidence

  • Vaccination was cost-saving for persons 6 months to 64 years under many assumptions.
  • Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios ranged from $8,000–$52,000/QALY depending on age and risk status.
  • Delays in vaccine availability had a substantial impact on the cost-effectiveness of vaccination.

Takeaway

Getting vaccinated against H1N1 is a smart choice for kids and young adults because it saves money and helps keep people healthy.

Methodology

A computer simulation model was developed to predict costs and health outcomes for a pH1N1 vaccination program using inactivated vaccine compared to no vaccination.

Limitations

The analysis did not consider indirect effects of vaccination and relied on assumptions about vaccination costs and effectiveness.

Participant Demographics

The modeled target population included hypothetical cohorts of persons aged 6 months and older stratified by age and risk.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022308

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