Analytical approach:
The clinical data, from published evidence and from observational datasets, were used to determine the number of lives saved through vaccination. The analysis had a one year horizon and the authors presented three perspectives, with the primary one being societal.
Effectiveness data:
These data were from a published meta-analysis of the effectiveness of influenza vaccination (Jefferson, et al. 2005, see ‘Other Publications of Related Interest’ below for bibliographic details) and a local survey. The key clinical parameters were the cost, the uptake, and the effectiveness of vaccination.
Monetary benefit and utility valuations:
A monetary value of life was applied for each life saved.
Measure of benefit:
The measure of benefit was the net monetary benefit.
Cost data:
The analysis included the direct medical costs of vaccination drugs and administration, and of treating influenza associated morbidity, and the value of lives lost due to influenza. These costs were from published sources. The price year was 2000 and all prices were in Hong Kong dollars (HKD). The time horizon was one year.
Analysis of uncertainty:
A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed to identify the cost at which influenza vaccination became cost-saving.