Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Cell Versus Egg-Based Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in Children and Adults in Argentina

Abstract

Background: Quadrivalent cell-based influenza vaccines (QIVc) avoid egg-adaptive mutations and can be more effective than traditional quadrivalent egg-based influenza vaccines (QIVe). This analysis compared the cost-effectiveness of QIVc and QIVe in Argentinian populations < 65 years old from the payer and societal perspectives. Methods: A static decision tree model compared the costs and health benefits of vaccination with QIVc vs. QIVe using a one-year time horizon. The relative vaccine effectiveness of QIVc vs. QIVe was assumed to be 8.1% for children and 11.4% for adults. An alternative high egg-adaptation scenario was also assessed. Model inputs were sourced from Argentina or the international literature. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: Compared to QIVe, QIVc would prevent 17,857 general practitioner visits, 2418 complications, 816 hospitalizations, and 12 deaths per year. From the payers’ perspective, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per quality-adjusted life years gained was USD12,214 in the base case and USD2311 in the high egg-adaptation scenario. QIVc was cost-saving from the societal perspective in both scenarios. Conclusions: QIVc in Argentina would be cost-effective relative to QIVe. The potential health benefits and savings would be even higher in high egg-adaptation seasons.

Cost‐effectiveness analysis of cell‐based versus egg‐based quadrivalent influenza vaccines in the pediatric population in Taiwan

“…We have employed valid and effective modeling design that is deemed adequate to assess influenza strategies and our findings appear to be directionally consistent with the conclusions from previously published studies in the general population. 15,36 Based on our study, universal vaccination with quadrivalent influenza vaccines in the Taiwanese pediatric (6 months to 17 years) population could help reduce the burden of influenza and associated health costs.…”

“…Static decision tree models have a simple structure with advantages of easier model communication and result interpretation. Similar model approach has been widely and successfully used to evaluate cost‐effectiveness of influenza vaccination in various other settings 15–17 …”

“…The analysis reported the absolute mean VE of QIVe in the pediatric population as 69% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 49%–81%) against A/H1N1, 43% (95% CI: 28%–55%) against A/H3N2, and 56% (95% CI: 38%–69%) against B strain 22 . The relative vaccine effectiveness (rVE) of QIVc versus QIVe for the 4–17 years age group was assumed to be 8.1% (95% CI: 0.1%–15.4%), based on Urueña et al 15 We assumed that the rVE remained the same for the 6 months to 3 years age group.…”

“…Similar model approach has been widely and successfully used to evaluate cost-effectiveness of influenza vaccination in various other settings. [15][16][17] Our model aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness of using QIVc versus QIVe for the pediatric population under the NIP in Taiwan. The model structure is depicted in Figure 1.…”

Fighting flu: novel CD8+ T‐cell targets are required for future influenza vaccines

“…This was seen in the 2014–2015 season in the United States which resulted in a 6% overall vaccine efficacy against the A/H3N2 strain 44 . Furthermore, the growth of influenza viruses have been known to introduce mutations which can lead to further variations in vaccine efficacy 45 . Even when the predicted strains do match the circulating strains, vaccine efficacy can be highly variable.…”