Open AccessThe potential economic value of influenza vaccination for healthcare workers in The Netherlands
Author(s) -
Meijboom Marjan J.,
RiphagenDalhuisen Josien,
Hak Eelko
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
influenza and other respiratory viruses
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.743
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1750-2659
pISSN - 1750-2640
DOI - 10.1111/irv.12558
Subject(s) - vaccination , medicine , health care , immunization , influenza vaccine , environmental health , emergency medicine , family medicine , medical emergency , immunology , antigen , economics , economic growth
Background Despite the clinical evidence, influenza vaccination coverage of healthcare workers remains low. To assess the health economic value of implementing an influenza immunization program among healthcare workers ( HCW ) in University Medical Centers ( UMC s) in the Netherlands, a cost‐benefit model was developed using a societal perspective. Methods/Patients The model was based on a trial performed among all UMC s in the Netherlands that included both hospital staff and patients admitted to the pediatrics and internal medicine departments. The model structure and parameters estimates were based on the trial and complemented with literature research, and the impact of uncertainty explored with sensitivity analyses. Results In a base‐case scenario without vaccine coverage, influenza‐related annual costs were estimated at € 410 815 for an average UMC with 8000 HCW s and an average occupancy during the influenza period of 6000 hospitalized patients. Of these costs, 82% attributed to the HCW s and 18% were patient‐related. With a vaccination coverage of 15.47%, the societal program’s savings were € 2861 which corresponds to a saving of € 270.53 per extended hospitalization. Univariate sensitivity analyses show that the results are most sensitive to changes in the model parameters vaccine effectiveness in reducing influenza‐like illness ( ILI ) and the vaccination‐related costs. Conclusion In addition to the decreased burden of patient morbidity among hospitalized patients, the effects of the hospital immunization program slightly outweigh the economic investments. These outcomes may support healthcare policymakers’ recommendations about the influenza vaccination program for healthcare workers.