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Stein A, Pendrey C, Muscatello D, Van Buynder P, Fielding J, Menche J, Sullivan S. Estimates of Seasonal Influenza Burden That Could Be Averted by Improved Influenza Vaccines in the Australian Population Aged Under 65 Years, 2015-2019. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024; 18:e13289. [PMID: 38637994 PMCID: PMC11026859 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interpretation of relative vaccine effectiveness (rVE) of improved influenza vaccines is complex. Estimation of burden averted is useful to contextualise their potential impact across different seasons. For the population aged under 65 years in Australia, this study estimated the additional morbidity and mortality that could be averted using improved influenza vaccines. METHODS We used observed, season-specific (2015-2019) influenza notification and influenza-coded hospitalisation frequencies and published modelled estimates of influenza-associated hospitalisations and deaths that occurred under the prevailing influenza vaccination coverage scenario. After back-calculating to the estimated burden in the population without vaccination, we applied published standard influenza vaccine effectiveness and coverage estimates to calculate the burden potentially averted by standard and improved influenza vaccines. A plausible range of rVE values were used, assuming 50% coverage. RESULTS The percentage point difference in absolute vaccine effectiveness (VE) of an improved vaccine compared to a standard vaccine is directly proportional to its rVE and inversely proportional to the effectiveness of the standard vaccine. The incremental burden averted by an improved vaccine is a function of both its difference in absolute VE and the severity of the influenza season. Assuming an rVE of 15% with 50% coverage, the improved vaccine was estimated to additionally avert 1517 to 12,641 influenza notifications, 287 to 1311 influenza-coded hospitalisations and 9 to 33 modelled all-cause influenza deaths per year compared to the standard vaccine. CONCLUSIONS Improved vaccines can have substantial clinical and population impact, particularly when the effectiveness of standard vaccines is low, and burden is high.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine G. A. Pendrey
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on InfluenzaRoyal Melbourne Hospital, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and ImmunityMelbourneAustralia
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population HealthAustralian National UniversityCanberraAustralia
| | | | | | - James E. Fielding
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratoryat the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and ImmunityMelbourneAustralia
| | | | - Sheena G. Sullivan
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on InfluenzaRoyal Melbourne Hospital, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and ImmunityMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and ImmunityMelbourneAustralia
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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Newall AT, Nazareno AL, Muscatello DJ, Boettiger D, Viboud C, Simonsen L, Turner RM. The association between influenza vaccination uptake and influenza and pneumonia-associated deaths in the United States. Vaccine 2024; 42:2044-2050. [PMID: 38403498 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The influenza mortality burden has remained substantial in the United States (US) despite relatively high levels of influenza vaccine uptake. This has led to questions regarding the effectiveness of the program against this outcome, particularly in the elderly. The aim of this evaluation was to develop and explore a new approach to estimating the population-level effect of influenza vaccination uptake on pneumonia and influenza (P&I) associated deaths. METHODS Using publicly available data we examined the association between state-level influenza vaccination and all-age P&I associated deaths in the US from the 2013-2014 influenza season to the 2018-2019 season. In the main model, we evaluated influenza vaccine uptake in all those age 6 months and older. We used a mixed-effects regression analysis with generalised least squares estimation to account for within state correlation in P&I mortality. RESULTS From 2013-2014 through 2018-2019, the total number of all-age P&I related deaths during the influenza seasons was 480,111. The mean overall cumulative influenza vaccine uptake (age 6 months and older) across the states and years considered was 46.7%, with higher uptake (64.8%) observed in those aged ≥ 65 years. We found that overall influenza vaccine uptake (6 months and older) had a statistically significant protective association with the P&I death rate. This translated to a 0.33 (95% CI: 0.20, 0.47) per 100,000 population reduction in P&I deaths in the influenza season per 1% increase in overall influenza vaccine uptake. DISCUSSION These results using a population-level statistical approach provide additional support for the overall effectiveness of the US influenza vaccination program. This reassurance is critical given the importance of ensuring confidence in this life saving program. Future research is needed to expand on our approach using more refined data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony T Newall
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Allen L Nazareno
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - David J Muscatello
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Boettiger
- The Kirby Institute, University New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Cécile Viboud
- Division of International Epidemiology and Population Studies, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lone Simonsen
- Department of Science and Environment, University of Roskilde, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Robin M Turner
- Biostatistics Centre, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Ho BS, Chao KM. On the influenza vaccination policy through mathematical modeling. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 98:71-79. [PMID: 32561427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Aimed at mitigating influenza transmission, this study assessed the timing of the vaccination program and took vaccine capacity, strain mismatch and priority group into consideration. METHODS An age-structured dynamic transmission model was fitted to the laboratory data of the national influenza surveillance system to reconstruct a baseline scenario with which the vaccination scenarios of interest could be compared. Outcome measures were defined as the impacts on the seasonal epidemic: decompression of the epidemic peak, reduction of the epidemic burden and change of the epidemic peak time. RESULTS It was found that vaccine capacity building, although indispensable, could not guarantee substantial impact on the seasonal influenza epidemic. Vaccine mismatch might greatly offset vaccine capacity building. Notably, advance vaccine distribution could compensate for some vaccine underperformance. In the case of a well-matched vaccine, advance vaccine distribution could even exploit its utility. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated that timely vaccine distribution should be put high on the agenda of seasonal influenza control policies. It provided a tangible platform for the policymakers to evaluate health policy impacts and to enhance risk communication with the public through mathematical modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin-Shenq Ho
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kun-Mao Chao
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
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Tsuzuki S, Baguelin M, Pebody R, van Leeuwen E. Modelling the optimal target age group for seasonal influenza vaccination in Japan. Vaccine 2019; 38:752-762. [PMID: 31735503 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Japan, the current influenza vaccination programme is targeting older individuals. On the other hand, epidemics of influenza are likely to be mainly driven by children. In this study, we consider the most cost-effective target age group for a seasonal influenza vaccination programme in Japan. METHODS We constructed a deterministic compartmental Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) model with data from the 2012/13 to 2014/15 influenza seasons in Japan. Bayesian inference with Markov Chain Monte Carlo method was used for parameter estimation. Cost-effectiveness analyses were conducted from public health care payer's perspective. RESULTS A scenario targeting children under 15 was expected to reduce the number of cases 6,382,345 compared to the current strategy. A scenario targeting elderly population (age over 49 years) was expected to reduce the number of cases 693,206. The children targeted scenario demonstrated negative ICER (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio) value. On the other hand, elderly targeted scenario demonstrated higher ICER value than the willingness to pay (50,000 USD/QALY). CONCLUSIONS A vaccination programme which targets children under 15 is predicted to have much larger epidemiological impact than those targeting elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Tsuzuki
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Respiratory Diseases Department, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Marc Baguelin
- Respiratory Diseases Department, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Pebody
- Respiratory Diseases Department, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edwin van Leeuwen
- Respiratory Diseases Department, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
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Mhlwatika Z, Aderibigbe BA. Application of Dendrimers for the Treatment of Infectious Diseases. Molecules 2018; 23:E2205. [PMID: 30200314 PMCID: PMC6225509 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23092205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendrimers are drug delivery systems that are characterized by a three-dimensional, star-shaped, branched macromolecular network. They possess ideal properties such as low polydispersity index, biocompatibility and good water solubility. They are made up of the interior and the exterior layers. The exterior layer consists of functional groups that are useful for conjugation of drugs and targeting moieties. The interior layer exhibits improved drug encapsulation efficiency, reduced drug toxicity, and controlled release mechanisms. These unique properties make them useful for drug delivery. Dendrimers have attracted considerable attention as drug delivery system for the treatment of infectious diseases. The treatment of infectious diseases is hampered severely by drug resistance. Several properties of dendrimers such as their ability to overcome drug resistance, toxicity and control the release mechanism of the encapsulated drugs make them ideal systems for the treatment of infectious disease. The aim of this review is to discuss the potentials of dendrimers for the treatment of viral and parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zandile Mhlwatika
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, Eastern Cape 5700, South Africa.
| | - Blessing Atim Aderibigbe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, Eastern Cape 5700, South Africa.
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Newall AT, Chaiyakunapruk N, Lambach P, Hutubessy RCW. WHO guide on the economic evaluation of influenza vaccination. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2018; 12:211-219. [PMID: 29024434 PMCID: PMC5820425 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza is responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality across the globe, with a large share of the total disease burden occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). There have been relatively few economic evaluations assessing the value of seasonal influenza vaccination in LMICs. The purpose of this guide is to outline the key theoretical concepts and best practice in methodologies and to provide guidance on the economic evaluation of influenza vaccination in LMICs. It outlines many of the influenza vaccine-specific challenges and should help to provide a framework for future evaluations in the area to build upon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony T. Newall
- School of Public Health and Community MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of New South Wales (UNSW)SydneyAustralia
| | - Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk
- School of PharmacyMonash University MalaysiaSelangorMalaysia
- Center of Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research (CPOR)Department of Pharmacy PracticeFaculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesNaresuan UniversityPhitsanulokThailand
- Asian Centre for Evidence Synthesis in PopulationImplementation and Clinical Outcomes (PICO)Health and Well‐being ClusterGlobal Asia in the 21st Century (GA21) PlatformMonash University MalaysiaBandar SunwaySelangorMalaysia
| | - Philipp Lambach
- Initiative for Vaccine ResearchWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
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Hart RJ, Stevenson MD, Smith MJ, LaJoie AS, Cross K. Cost-effectiveness of Strategies for Offering Influenza Vaccine in the Pediatric Emergency Department. JAMA Pediatr 2018; 172:e173879. [PMID: 29114729 PMCID: PMC6583269 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.3879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Influenza is a significant public health burden, causing morbidity and mortality in children, yet vaccination rates remain low. Vaccination in the pediatric emergency department (PED) setting may be beneficial but, to date, has not been proven to be cost-effective. OBJECTIVE To compare the cost-effectiveness of 4 strategies for PED-based influenza vaccine: offering vaccine to all patients, only to patients younger than 5 years, only to high-risk patients (all ages), or to no patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Using commercial decision analysis software, a cost-effectiveness analysis was performed from January 1, 2016, to June 1, 2017, to compare influenza vaccine strategies at a tertiary, urban, freestanding PED with an estimated 60 000 visits per year among a hypothetical cohort of children visiting the above PED during influenza season. Sensitivity analyses estimated the effect of uncertainties across a variety of input variables (eg, influenza prevalence, vaccine price and effectiveness, and costs of complications). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcomes were cost and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio in dollars per influenza case averted. Secondary outcomes included total societal costs, hospitalizations and deaths averted, and quality-adjusted life-years gained. RESULTS Offering influenza vaccine to all eligible patients has the lowest cost, at $114.45 (95% CI, $55.48-$245.45) per case of influenza averted. This strategy saves $33.51 (95% CI, $18-$62) per case averted compared with no vaccination, and averages 27 fewer cases of influenza per 1000 patients. Offering vaccine to all patients resulted in 0.72 days (95% CI, 0.18-1.78 days) of quality-adjusted life-years lost, whereas offering to none resulted in 0.91 days (95% CI, 0.25-2.2 days) of quality-adjusted life-years lost. In sensitivity analyses, this strategy remains robustly cost-effective across a wide range of assumptions. In addition to being the most cost-effective strategy regardless of age or risk status, routine vaccination in the PED results in a net societal monetary benefit under many circumstances. In Monte Carlo analysis, offering vaccine to all patients was superior to other strategies in at least 99.8% of cases. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Although few PEDs routinely offer influenza vaccination, doing so appears to be cost-effective, with the potential to significantly reduce the economic (and patient) burden of pediatric influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Hart
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Michelle D. Stevenson
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Michael J. Smith
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - A. Scott LaJoie
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Keith Cross
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
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Nymark LS, Sharma T, Miller A, Enemark U, Griffiths UK. Inclusion of the value of herd immunity in economic evaluations of vaccines. A systematic review of methods used. Vaccine 2017; 35:6828-6841. [PMID: 29146380 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objectives of this review were to identify vaccine economic evaluations that include herd immunity and describe the methodological approaches used. METHODS We used Kim and Goldie's search strategy from a systematic review (1976-2007) of modelling approaches used in vaccine economic evaluations and additionally searched PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase for 2007-2015. Studies were classified according to modelling approach used. Methods for estimating herd immunity effects were described, in particular for the static models. RESULTS We identified 625 economic evaluations of vaccines against human-transmissible diseases from 1976 to 2015. Of these, 172 (28%) included herd immunity. While 4% of studies included herd immunity in 2001, 53% of those published in 2015 did this. Pneumococcal, human papilloma and rotavirus vaccines represented the majority of studies (63%) considering herd immunity. Ninety-five of the 172 studies utilised a static model, 59 applied a dynamic model, eight a hybrid model and ten did not clearly state which method was used. Relatively crude methods and assumptions were used in the majority of the static model studies. CONCLUSION The proportion of economic evaluations using a dynamic model has increased in recent years. However, 55% of the included studies used a static model for estimating herd immunity. Values from a static model can only be considered reliable if high quality surveillance data are incorporated into the analysis. Without this, the results are questionable and they should only be included in sensitivity analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liv S Nymark
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, Bandim Health Project, Statens Serums Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark; Department of Health Services Research & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Tarang Sharma
- Nordic Cochrane Centre, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK- 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 København N, Denmark
| | | | - Ulrika Enemark
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, Bandim Health Project, Statens Serums Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Ulla Kou Griffiths
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK; UNICEF, 3 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10007, USA
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Woolthuis RG, Wallinga J, van Boven M. Variation in loss of immunity shapes influenza epidemics and the impact of vaccination. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:632. [PMID: 28927373 PMCID: PMC5606000 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2716-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protective antibody immunity against the influenza A virus wanes in 2-7 years due to antigenic drift of the virus' surface proteins. The duration of immune protection is highly variable because antigenic evolution of the virus is irregular. Currently, the variable nature of the duration of immunity has had little attention in analyses of the impact of vaccination, including cost-effectiveness studies. METHODS We developed a range of mathematical transmission models to investigate the effect of variable duration of immunity on the size of seasonal epidemics. The models range from simple conceptual to more realistic, by distinguishing between infection- versus vaccination-induced immunity, by inclusion of primary vaccine failure, by assuming a leaky vaccine, and by the inclusion of age-dependent contact patterns. RESULTS We show that annual variation in the duration of immunity causes large variation in the size of epidemics, and affects the effectiveness of vaccination. Accumulation of susceptible individuals in one or more mild seasons results in a disproportionately large outbreak in a subsequent season. Importantly, variation in the duration of immunity increases the average infection attack rate when the vaccination coverage is around the outbreak threshold. Specifically, in a tailored age-stratified model with a realistic reproduction number (R 0 = 1.4) and vaccination coverage of 25%, we find that the attack rate in unvaccinated children (<10 years old) is negligible if the duration of immunity is constant, while on average 2.8% (2.5-97.5% percentiles: 1.8-4.1%) of the children are infected if the duration of immunity is variable. These findings stem from the buildup of susceptibility over multiple seasons by waning of immunity, and the nonlinear relation between susceptibility and infection attack rates. CONCLUSIONS The models illustrate that variation in the duration of immunity impacts the long-term effectiveness of vaccination, and that vaccine effectiveness cannot be judged for each year in isolation. Our findings have implications for vaccination strategies that aim to maximize the vaccination coverage while extending the age range of persons eligible for vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rutger G Woolthuis
- Theoretical Biology, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht, 3584 CH, The Netherlands. .,National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, Bilthoven, 3721 MA, The Netherlands.
| | - Jacco Wallinga
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, Bilthoven, 3721 MA, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel van Boven
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, Bilthoven, 3721 MA, The Netherlands
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Mukerji S, MacIntyre CR, Seale H, Wang Q, Yang P, Wang X, Newall AT. Cost-effectiveness analysis of N95 respirators and medical masks to protect healthcare workers in China from respiratory infections. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:464. [PMID: 28673259 PMCID: PMC5496227 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2564-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are substantial differences between the costs of medical masks and N95 respirators. Cost-effectiveness analysis is required to assist decision-makers evaluating alternative healthcare worker (HCW) mask/respirator strategies. This study aims to compare the cost-effectiveness of N95 respirators and medical masks for protecting HCWs in Beijing, China. METHODS We developed a cost-effectiveness analysis model utilising efficacy and resource use data from two cluster randomised clinical trials assessing various mask/respirator strategies conducted in HCWs in Level 2 and 3 Beijing hospitals for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 influenza seasons. The main outcome measure was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per clinical respiratory illness (CRI) case prevented. We used a societal perspective which included intervention costs, the healthcare costs of CRI in HCWs and absenteeism costs. RESULTS The incremental cost to prevent a CRI case with continuous use of N95 respirators when compared to medical masks ranged from US $490-$1230 (approx. 3000-7600 RMB). One-way sensitivity analysis indicated that the CRI attack rate and intervention effectiveness had the greatest impact on cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS The determination of cost-effectiveness for mask/respirator strategies will depend on the willingness to pay to prevent a CRI case in a HCW, which will vary between countries. In the case of a highly pathogenic pandemic, respirator use in HCWs would likely be a cost-effective intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohini Mukerji
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - C. Raina MacIntyre
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (NCIRS), University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW Australia
| | - Holly Seale
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Quanyi Wang
- The Beijing Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Yang
- The Beijing Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- The Beijing Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Anthony T. Newall
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
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Holubar M, Stavroulakis MC, Maldonado Y, Ioannidis JPA, Contopoulos-Ioannidis D. Impact of vaccine herd-protection effects in cost-effectiveness analyses of childhood vaccinations. A quantitative comparative analysis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172414. [PMID: 28249046 PMCID: PMC5332092 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inclusion of vaccine herd-protection effects in cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) can impact the CEAs-conclusions. However, empirical epidemiologic data on the size of herd-protection effects from original studies are limited. METHODS We performed a quantitative comparative analysis of the impact of herd-protection effects in CEAs for four childhood vaccinations (pneumococcal, meningococcal, rotavirus and influenza). We considered CEAs reporting incremental-cost-effectiveness-ratios (ICERs) (per quality-adjusted-life-years [QALY] gained; per life-years [LY] gained or per disability-adjusted-life-years [DALY] avoided), both with and without herd protection, while keeping all other model parameters stable. We calculated the size of the ICER-differences without vs with-herd-protection and estimated how often inclusion of herd-protection led to crossing of the cost-effectiveness threshold (of an assumed societal-willingness-to-pay) of $50,000 for more-developed countries or X3GDP/capita (WHO-threshold) for less-developed countries. RESULTS We identified 35 CEA studies (20 pneumococcal, 4 meningococcal, 8 rotavirus and 3 influenza vaccines) with 99 ICER-analyses (55 per-QALY, 27 per-LY and 17 per-DALY). The median ICER-absolute differences per QALY, LY and DALY (without minus with herd-protection) were $15,620 (IQR: $877 to $48,376); $54,871 (IQR: $787 to $115,026) and $49 (IQR: $15 to $1,636) respectively. When the target-vaccination strategy was not cost-saving without herd-protection, inclusion of herd-protection always resulted in more favorable results. In CEAs that had ICERs above the cost-effectiveness threshold without herd-protection, inclusion of herd-protection led to crossing of that threshold in 45% of the cases. This impacted only CEAs for more developed countries, as all but one CEAs for less developed countries had ICERs below the WHO-cost-effectiveness threshold even without herd-protection. In several analyses, recommendation for the adoption of the target vaccination strategy depended on the inclusion of the herd protection effect. CONCLUSIONS Inclusion of herd-protection effects in CEAs had a substantial impact in the estimated ICERs and made target-vaccination strategies more attractive options in almost half of the cases where ICERs were above the societal-willingness to pay threshold without herd-protection. More empirical epidemiologic data are needed to determine the size of herd-protection effects across diverse settings and also the size of negative vaccine effects, e.g. from serotype substitution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Holubar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Maria Christina Stavroulakis
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai/ Elmhurst Hospital Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yvonne Maldonado
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Department of Health Research and Policy, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Diversity, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - John P. A. Ioannidis
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine and Department of Health Research and Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Despina Contopoulos-Ioannidis
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Department of Health Research and Policy, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Diversity, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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de Boer PT, Frederix GWJ, Feenstra TL, Vemer P. Unremarked or Unperformed? Systematic Review on Reporting of Validation Efforts of Health Economic Decision Models in Seasonal Influenza and Early Breast Cancer. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2016; 34:833-845. [PMID: 27129572 PMCID: PMC4980411 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-016-0410-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transparent reporting of validation efforts of health economic models give stakeholders better insight into the credibility of model outcomes. In this study we reviewed recently published studies on seasonal influenza and early breast cancer in order to gain insight into the reporting of model validation efforts in the overall health economic literature. METHODS A literature search was performed in Pubmed and Embase to retrieve health economic modelling studies published between 2008 and 2014. Reporting on model validation was evaluated by checking for the word validation, and by using AdViSHE (Assessment of the Validation Status of Health Economic decision models), a tool containing a structured list of relevant items for validation. Additionally, we contacted corresponding authors to ask whether more validation efforts were performed other than those reported in the manuscripts. RESULTS A total of 53 studies on seasonal influenza and 41 studies on early breast cancer were included in our review. The word validation was used in 16 studies (30 %) on seasonal influenza and 23 studies (56 %) on early breast cancer; however, in a minority of studies, this referred to a model validation technique. Fifty-seven percent of seasonal influenza studies and 71 % of early breast cancer studies reported one or more validation techniques. Cross-validation of study outcomes was found most often. A limited number of studies reported on model validation efforts, although good examples were identified. Author comments indicated that more validation techniques were performed than those reported in the manuscripts. CONCLUSIONS Although validation is deemed important by many researchers, this is not reflected in the reporting habits of health economic modelling studies. Systematic reporting of validation efforts would be desirable to further enhance decision makers' confidence in health economic models and their outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter T de Boer
- Department of Pharmacy, PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology and -Economics (PTEE), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Geert W J Frederix
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Talitha L Feenstra
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services Research, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Pepijn Vemer
- Department of Pharmacy, PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology and -Economics (PTEE), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Principi N, Senatore L, Esposito S. Protection of young children from influenza through universal vaccination. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 11:2350-8. [PMID: 26090704 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1055428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza is a very common disease among infants and young children, with a considerable clinical and socioeconomic impact. A significant number of health authorities presently recommend universal influenza vaccination for the pediatric population, but a large number of European health authorities is still reluctant to include influenza vaccination in their national vaccination programs. The reasons for this reluctance include the fact that the protection offered by the currently available vaccines is considered poor. This review shows that although future research could lead to an increase in the immunogenicity and potential efficacy of influenza vaccines, the available vaccines, even with their limits, assure sufficient protection in most subjects aged ≥ 6 months, thus reducing the total burden of influenza in young children and justifying the recommendation for the universal vaccination of the whole pediatric population. For younger subjects, the vaccination of their mother during pregnancy represents an efficacious strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Principi
- a Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation ; Università degli Studi di Milano; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico ; Milan , Italy
| | - Laura Senatore
- a Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation ; Università degli Studi di Milano; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico ; Milan , Italy
| | - Susanna Esposito
- a Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation ; Università degli Studi di Milano; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico ; Milan , Italy
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Herdman M, Cole A, Hoyle CK, Coles V, Carroll S, Devlin N. Sources and Characteristics of Utility Weights for Economic Evaluation of Pediatric Vaccines: A Systematic Review. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2016; 19:255-266. [PMID: 27021761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cost-effectiveness analysis of pediatric vaccines for infectious diseases often requires quality-of-life (utility) weights. OBJECTIVE To investigate how utility weights have been elicited and used in this context. METHODS A systematic review was conducted of studies published between January 1990 and July 2013 that elicited or used utility weights in cost-effectiveness analyses of vaccines for pediatric populations. The review focused on vaccines for 17 infectious diseases and is presented following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. RESULTS A total of 6410 titles and abstracts and 225 full-text articles were reviewed. Of those selected for inclusion (n = 101), 15 articles described the elicitation of utility weights and 86 described economic modeling studies using utilities. Various methods were used to generate utilities, including time trade-off, contingent valuation, and willingness to pay, as well as a preference-based measure with associated value sets, such as the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire or the Health Utilities Index. In modeling studies, the source of utilities used was often unclear, poorly reported, or based on weak underlying evidence. We found no articles that reported on the elicitation or use of utilities in diphtheria, polio, or tetanus. CONCLUSIONS The scarcity of appropriate utility weights for vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in children and a lack of standardization in their use in economic assessments limit the ability to accurately assess the benefits associated with interventions to prevent infectious diseases. This is an issue that should be of concern to those making decisions regarding the prevention and treatment of infectious childhood illnesses.
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O'Mahony JF, Newall AT, van Rosmalen J. Dealing with Time in Health Economic Evaluation: Methodological Issues and Recommendations for Practice. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2015; 33:1255-68. [PMID: 26105525 PMCID: PMC4661216 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-015-0309-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Time is an important aspect of health economic evaluation, as the timing and duration of clinical events, healthcare interventions and their consequences all affect estimated costs and effects. These issues should be reflected in the design of health economic models. This article considers three important aspects of time in modelling: (1) which cohorts to simulate and how far into the future to extend the analysis; (2) the simulation of time, including the difference between discrete-time and continuous-time models, cycle lengths, and converting rates and probabilities; and (3) discounting future costs and effects to their present values. We provide a methodological overview of these issues and make recommendations to help inform both the conduct of cost-effectiveness analyses and the interpretation of their results. For choosing which cohorts to simulate and how many, we suggest analysts carefully assess potential reasons for variation in cost effectiveness between cohorts and the feasibility of subgroup-specific recommendations. For the simulation of time, we recommend using short cycles or continuous-time models to avoid biases and the need for half-cycle corrections, and provide advice on the correct conversion of transition probabilities in state transition models. Finally, for discounting, analysts should not only follow current guidance and report how discounting was conducted, especially in the case of differential discounting, but also seek to develop an understanding of its rationale. Our overall recommendations are that analysts explicitly state and justify their modelling choices regarding time and consider how alternative choices may impact on results.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F O'Mahony
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Anthony T Newall
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Joost van Rosmalen
- Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Andersohn F, Bornemann R, Damm O, Frank M, Mittendorf T, Theidel U. Vaccination of children with a live-attenuated, intranasal influenza vaccine - analysis and evaluation through a Health Technology Assessment. GMS HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT 2014; 10:Doc03. [PMID: 25371764 PMCID: PMC4219018 DOI: 10.3205/hta000119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza is a worldwide prevalent infectious disease of the respiratory tract annually causing high morbidity and mortality in Germany. Influenza is preventable by vaccination and this vaccination is so far recommended by the The German Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) as a standard vaccination for people from the age of 60 onwards. Up to date a parenterally administered trivalent inactivated vaccine (TIV) has been in use almost exclusively. Since 2011 however a live-attenuated vaccine (LAIV) has been approved additionally. Consecutively, since 2013 the STIKO recommends LAIV (besides TIV) for children from 2 to 17 years of age, within the scope of vaccination by specified indications. LAIV should be preferred administered in children from 2 to 6 of age. The objective of this Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is to address various research issues regarding the vaccination of children with LAIV. The analysis was performed from a medical, epidemiological and health economic perspective, as well as from an ethical, social and legal point of view. METHOD An extensive systematic database research was performed to obtain relevant information. In addition a supplementary research by hand was done. Identified literature was screened in two passes by two independent reviewers using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included literature was evaluated in full-text using acknowledged standards. Studies were graded with the highest level of evidence (1++), if they met the criteria of European Medicines Agency (EMA)-Guidance: Points to consider on applications with 1. meta-analyses; 2. one pivotal study. RESULTS For the medical section, the age of the study participants ranges from 6 months to 17 years. Regarding study efficacy, in children aged 6 months to ≤7 years, LAIV is superior to placebo as well as to a vac-cination with TIV (Relative Risk Reduction - RRR - of laboratory confirmed influenza infection approx. 80% and 50%, respectively). In children aged >7 to 17 years (= 18th year of their lives), LAIV is superior to a vaccination with TIV (RRR 32%). For this age group, no studies that compared LAIV with placebo were identified. It can be concluded that there is high evidence for superior efficacy of LAIV (compared to placebo or TIV) among children aged 6 months to ≤7 years. For children from >7 to 17 years, there is moderate evidence for superiority of LAIV for children with asthma, while direct evidence for children from the general population is lacking for this age group. Due to the efficacy of LAIV in children aged 6 months to ≤7 years (high evidence) and the efficacy of LAIV in children with asthma aged >7 to 17 years (moderate evidence), LAIV is also very likely to be efficacious among children in the general population aged >7 to 17 years (indirect evidence). In the included studies with children aged 2 to 17 years, LAIV was safe and well-tolerated; while in younger children LAIV may increase the risk of obstruction of the airways (e.g. wheezing). In the majority of the evaluated epidemiological studies, LAIV proved to be effective in the prevention of influenza among children aged 2-17 years under everyday conditions (effectiveness). The trend appears to indicate that LAIV is more effective than TIV, although this can only be based on limited evidence for methodological reasons (observational studies). In addition to a direct protective effect for vaccinated children themselves, indirect protective ("herd protection") effects were reported among non-vaccinated elderly population groups, even at relatively low vaccination coverage of children. With regard to safety, LAIV generally can be considered equivalent to TIV. This also applies to the use among children with mild chronically obstructive conditions, from whom LAIV therefore does not have to be withheld. In all included epidemiological studies, there was some risk of bias identified, e.g. due to residual confounding or other methodology-related sources of error. In the evaluated studies, both the vaccination of children with previous illnesses and the routine vaccination of (healthy) children frequently involve cost savings. This is especially the case if one includes indirect costs from a societal perspective. From a payer perspective, a routine vaccination of children is often regarded as a highly cost-effective intervention. However, not all of the studies arrive at consistent results. In isolated cases, relatively high levels of cost-effectiveness are reported that make it difficult to perform a conclusive assessment from an economic perspective. Based on the included studies, it is not possible to make a clear statement about the budget impact of using LAIV. None of the evaluated studies provides results for the context of the German healthcare setting. The efficacy of the vaccine, physicians' recommendations, and a potential reduction in influenza symptoms appear to play a role in the vaccination decision taken by parents/custodians on behalf of their children. Major barriers to the utilization of influenza vaccination services are a low level of perception and an underestimation of the disease risk, reservations concerning the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, and potential side effects of the vaccine. For some of the parents surveyed, the question as to whether the vaccine is administered as an injection or nasal spray might also be important. CONCLUSION In children aged 2 to 17 years, the use of LAIV can lead to a reduction of the number of influenza cases and the associated burden of disease. In addition, indirect preventive effects may be expected, especially among elderly age groups. Currently there are no data available for the German healthcare setting. Long-term direct and indirect effectiveness and safety should be supported by surveillance programs with a broader use of LAIV. Since there is no general model available for the German healthcare setting, statements concerning the cost-effectiveness can be made only with precaution. Beside this there is a need to conduct health eco-nomic studies to show the impact of influenza vaccination for children in Germany. Such studies should be based on a dynamic transmission model. Only these models are able to include the indirect protective effects of vaccination correctly. With regard to ethical, social and legal aspects, physicians should discuss with parents the motivations for vaccinating their children and upcoming barriers in order to achieve broader vaccination coverage. The present HTA provides an extensive basis for further scientific approaches and pending decisions relating to health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Andersohn
- Institut für Sozialmedizin, Epidemiologie und Gesundheitsökonomie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany ; Frank Andersohn Consulting & Research Services, Berlin, Germany
| | - Reinhard Bornemann
- Universität Bielefeld, Fakultät für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Oliver Damm
- Universität Bielefeld, Fakultät für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Martin Frank
- Center for Health Economics Research Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Mittendorf
- Herescon GmbH - health economic research & consulting, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrike Theidel
- Center for Health Economics Research Hannover, Germany ; Herescon GmbH - health economic research & consulting, Hannover, Germany
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Bilcke J, Coenen S, Beutels P. Influenza-like-illness and clinically diagnosed flu: disease burden, costs and quality of life for patients seeking ambulatory care or no professional care at all. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102634. [PMID: 25032688 PMCID: PMC4102549 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This is one of the first studies to (1) describe the out-of-hospital burden of influenza-like-illness (ILI) and clinically diagnosed flu, also for patients not seeking professional medical care, (2) assess influential background characteristics, and (3) formally compare the burden of ILI in patients with and without a clinical diagnosis of flu. A general population sample with recent ILI experience was recruited during the 2011–2012 influenza season in Belgium. Half of the 2250 respondents sought professional medical care, reported more symptoms (especially more often fever), a longer duration of illness, more use of medication (especially antibiotics) and a higher direct medical cost than patients not seeking medical care. The disease and economic burden were similar for ambulatory ILI patients, irrespective of whether they received a clinical diagnosis of flu. On average, they experienced 5–6 symptoms over a 6-day period; required 1.6 physician visits and 86–91% took medication. An average episode amounted to €51–€53 in direct medical costs, 4 days of absence from work or school and the loss of 0.005 quality-adjusted life-years. Underlying illness led to greater costs and lower quality-of-life. The costs of ILI patients with clinically diagnosed flu tended to increase, while those of ILI patients without clinically diagnosed flu tended to decrease with age. Recently vaccinated persons experienced lower costs and a higher quality-of-life, but this was only the case for patients not seeking professional medical care. This information can be used directly to evaluate the implementation of cost-effective prevention and control measures for influenza. In particular to inform the evaluation of more widespread seasonal influenza vaccination, including in children, which is currently considered by many countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joke Bilcke
- Centre for Health Economics Research & Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO) WHO collaborating Centre, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Centre for General Practice, Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO) WHO collaborating Centre, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Philippe Beutels
- Centre for Health Economics Research & Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO) WHO collaborating Centre, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sydney, Australia
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The cost-effectiveness of influenza vaccination in elderly Australians: an exploratory analysis of the vaccine efficacy required. Vaccine 2014; 32:1323-5. [PMID: 24486359 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
It is important to consider the value for money offered by existing elderly influenza vaccination programs, particularly as doubts persist about the magnitude of the effectiveness of such programs. An informative approach to explore the value of vaccination is to consider what vaccine efficacy would be required for a program to be considered cost-effective. To estimate the cost-effectiveness of the current elderly (65+ years) influenza vaccination program in Australia, we modelled how the hypothetical removal of vaccination would increase current disease burden estimates depending on alternative vaccine efficacy assumptions. The base-case results of the analysis found that the existing elderly vaccination program is likely to be cost-effective (under A$50,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained) if the vaccine efficacy is above ∼30%. This study offers reassurance that the influenza vaccination of elderly Australians is likely to offer value for money.
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