Cost-effective approaches to influenza prevention and treatment

Abstract

Influenza, the seventh leading cause of death in the USA, accounts for 35,000 deaths and over 200,000 hospitalizations annually in that country alone. Recent advances in influenza vaccines, diagnosis and treatment have created numerous options for practicing clinicians, as well as economic opportunities for the makers of vaccines, rapid diagnostic tests and antiviral drugs. Since influenza-like illness affects up to half of the population each year, selective use of expensive tests and treatments is essential to the practice of cost-effective medicine. Over the past 5 years, dozens of economic evaluations of influenza vaccination, rapid testing and antiviral therapy have been published, many of which are free of commercial bias. The existing literature, drawing practical lessons for clinical practice is reviewed, and new developments on the horizon are explored including vaccines, surveillance methods, antiviral agents and pandemic preparedness.

Prevention and control of influenza in persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

“…All evaluative studies assessing the cost-effectiveness of influenza vaccination obtained favorable cost-effectiveness ratios or cost savings (Nichol et al 2003; Rothberg 2005). In one 6-year study of elderly, members of a managed care organization obtained a net cost saving of US$73 per vaccinated person (Nichol et al 1998).…”