Influenza vaccination.

Cost-effectiveness analysis was used to evaluate influenza vaccination. From 1971-1972 through 1977-1978, vaccination of an elderly person 65 years of age or older saved net medical care costs while improving health. Vaccination of younger high-risk adults aged 15 through 64 years also improved health for a low net cost per year of healthy life gained. By covering influenza vaccination during those years, the Medicare program would have incurred a net cost for each vaccination of $13 per year of healthy life gained for medical costs connected with influenza and $791 per year gained including costs of treating other illnesses in later life. The analysis indicates the need for epidemiologic research on the extent of influenza and the mechanism of its spread. The results also raise the issue of public policy to promote influenza vaccination among high-risk persons as a low-cost, preventive technology.