Influenza vaccination in a Malaysian company: what are costs and benefits for the employer?

• Published in: International Congress series 2004-06, Vol.1263, p.585-589
• Main Authors: Samad, A.H, Haji Usul, M.H.B, Zakaria, D, Ismail, R, Tasset-Tisseau, A, Baron-Papillon, F, Follet, A, Plun-Favreau, J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cost–benefit; Influenza; Occupational health; Vaccination
• ISSN: 0531-5131; 1873-6157
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ics.2004.02.142

The objective of this study was to evaluate the health and economic effects of an influenza vaccination campaign. A prospective, non-randomised, non-placebo cost–benefit study was conducted in a petrochemical plant in Malaysia, involving two cohorts: vaccinated and not vaccinated. Cost–benefit analyses were performed from the employer's perspective. The total number of employees involved in the study was 1022. The attack rates of influenza-like illness (ILI) were 8.13% in vaccinated and 30.31% in non-vaccinated. The mean (±CI 95%) length of sick leave taken for ILI was significantly greater among non-vaccinated (4.22±0.26 vs. 3.00±0.39) as well as the number of days until feeling well again (5.80±0.13 vs. 5.37±0.18). The effectiveness rate in reducing the ILI occurrence was 73.16%. The mean annual cost savings were US$39.9 and US$899.7 per employee vaccinated respectively in the base and upper case scenarios. This study showed that influenza vaccination had significant impact on ILI occurrence and lead to high return on investment for the employer.