Nine years of influenza vaccination in an Argentinean company: costs and benefits for the employer

• Published in: International Congress series 2004-06, Vol.1263, p.590-594
• Main Authors: Santoro, N, Tasset-Tisseau, A, Nicoloyanis, N, Armoni, J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cost–benefit; Influenza; Occupational health; Vaccination
• ISSN: 0531-5131; 1873-6157
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ics.2004.02.135

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 9-year influenza vaccination program measured in terms of health and economic benefits. A retrospective observational study was conducted among the workforce of an Argentinean chemical company from January 1994 to December 2002, involving two cohorts, vaccinated and nonvaccinated. The occupational health database was used to collect socioeconomic and health status information, occurrence and duration of ILI symptoms and sick leaves. Vaccine's adverse events were reported when occurred. Cost–benefit analyses were performed from the employer's perspective, monetarizing absenteeism and attendance with salary values and operating income. Costs of vaccination included vaccine price, cost of administration and adverse events if occurred. The total number of employees varied from 800 to 520 employees. An average of 57% were vaccinated and 43% not vaccinated; the attack rates of ILI were, respectively, 5.3±1.25% versus 26.2±7.02%, with presence of usual symptoms and fever in 100% of the reported ILI. Overall, the effectiveness rate of reducing the occurrence of ILI symptoms was 75.9±9.08%. The mean annual cost savings was 200 ARS (Argentinean pesos) per employee vaccinated. This study showed that influenza vaccination had significant impact on ILI occurrence and leads to important cost savings for the employer.