Global Medical Affairs, Viatris, Milan, Italy.
VANDAGE GmbH, Bielefeld, Germany.
J Med Econ. 2024 Jan-Dec;27(1):1337-1346. doi: 10.1080/13696998.2024.2413284. Epub 2024 Oct 18.
In 2003, the WHO aimed for a 75% or higher influenza vaccination rate among at-risk populations. However, this target was achieved in a few groups during selected seasons in some European countries, and never in Germany. Adults with underlying conditions (UCs) are a critical negleted group for influenza vaccination. This study aimed to identify data gaps in influenza burden and vaccination coverage among adults under 60 with UCs in Germany and bridge these gaps using real-world data.
We conducted systematic research and analyses using German administrative and claims databases from June 2016 to April 2024. We report on epidemiology, direct care costs, indirect costs from work incapacity, vaccination coverage rates, and describe data gaps.
Influenza data for high-risk populations are limited. Comprehensive data on influenza epidemiology and vaccination coverage rates (VCR) is available, though with a delay in data availability. Before and after the pandemic, individuals aged 50-59 had the highest rates of influenza-related hospitalization and ICU admission compared to younger age groups. Across all age groups and seasons, individuals with UC experienced higher rates of medically attended influenza cases, hospitalizations, and healthcare costs, with those aged 35-59 being particularly vulnerable. Vaccine coverage was higher in adults aged 35-59 compared to those aged 18-24, and in females compared to males.
Discrepancies of vaccination status, limited data availability, and variations among the extent of UCs.
In Germany, recent policy measures have mainly targeted those aged 60 and above. While this elderly population experiences the highest disease-related impact, influenza can also lead to substantial healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs in younger populations with chronic UCs; Facilitating vaccination access for this group, such as through pharmacies, is essential. Definition of quantifiable vaccination targets and measures to increase vaccination rates based on these targets are required.
2003 年，世界卫生组织（WHO）的目标是为高危人群接种流感疫苗，接种率达到 75%或以上。然而，在一些欧洲国家的某些季节，只有少数几个群体达到了这一目标，德国从未达到过。患有基础疾病（UCs）的成年人是流感疫苗接种被严重忽视的群体。本研究旨在确定德国 60 岁以下患有 UCs 的成年人中流感负担和疫苗接种率的数据差距，并使用真实世界的数据来填补这些差距。
我们使用德国行政和理赔数据库，从 2016 年 6 月至 2024 年 4 月进行了系统的研究和分析。我们报告了流行病学、直接护理成本、因工作能力丧失导致的间接成本、疫苗接种覆盖率，并描述了数据差距。
高风险人群的流感数据有限。虽然综合的流感流行病学和疫苗接种覆盖率（VCR）数据可用，但数据可用性存在延迟。在大流行前后，50-59 岁年龄组的流感相关住院和 ICU 入院率高于其他年龄组。在所有年龄组和季节中，患有 UC 的个体患流感的比例更高，需要接受医疗治疗，住院和医疗保健费用更高，35-59 岁的个体尤其脆弱。与 18-24 岁的成年人相比，35-59 岁的成年人的疫苗接种率更高，与男性相比，女性的疫苗接种率更高。
疫苗接种状况的差异、数据可用性有限以及 UCs 程度的差异。
在德国，最近的政策措施主要针对 60 岁及以上的人群。虽然这一年龄段人群受到疾病的影响最大，但流感也会导致患有慢性 UCs 的年轻人群中产生大量的医疗资源利用（HCRU）和成本；为这一群体提供接种疫苗的途径至关重要，例如通过药店。需要确定可量化的疫苗接种目标，并根据这些目标采取措施来提高接种率。
