Abstract

PORRAS-RAMIREZ, Alexandra et al. Cost effectiveness of influenza vaccination in children under 2 years old and elderly in Colombia. Rev. salud pública [online]. 2009, vol.11, n.5, pp.689-699. ISSN 0124-0064.

Objective Estimating the burden of disease associated with influenza virus season and modelling the epidemiological and economic impacts of introducing an inactivated vaccine to Colombia. Methodology A complete economic evaluation was done in children aged less than 2 and adults aged over 65. The outcomes evaluated in the under 2-year olds included: the yearly number of cases of acute respiratory infection (ARI), medical visits, hospitalisations and deaths by ARI. The outcomes measured in adults were the number of yearly deaths and hospitalisations due to cardiocirculatory diseases (CCD). Results Influenza infection in children under 2 years old not having had vaccination may cause 4,300 cases, 2,700 medical visits, 900 hospitalisations and 230 deaths by ARI yearly. Amongst the elder group, influenza infection would be associated with 670 deaths by pneumonia and 1,870 deaths from CCD. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) for flu vaccination among children under 2 ranged from USD$ 1,900 to USD$ 2,967 per averted death. ICER was cost saving in adults aged over 65. Conclusions This study's results supported the Colombian Ministry of Health's initiative for introducing yearly flu vaccination amongst small children and older adults in Colombia.

Keywords : Influenza; vaccination; cost effectiveness; Colombia.

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