Cost-effectiveness of influenza vaccination in high-risk children in Argentina

Objectives: our study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of influenza vaccination in high-risk children in Argentina. Methods: a decision analys is model was performed, using data from published and unpublished sources. to compare two strategies - to vaccinate or not to vaccinate. We simulated the expected consequences of vaccination on direct medical costs, related t o disease management and indirect costs, related to lost parental working d ays (absenteeism). Results: Using base-case assumptions vaccination of high -risk children aged 6 months to 15 years old, in Argentina (estimated cohor t of 1184748) would prevent 207331 cases of influenza, resulting in a reduc tion of 58052 days of hospitalization and 207331 outpatient visits. Vaccina tion would lead to net savings of US$ 11894870 per vaccinated cohort (US$ 1 0.04 per vaccinated child). Conclusion: our economic analysis shows that in Argentina, routine vaccination of high-risk children against influenza wou ld be cost saving for society. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re served.