COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATION PROPHYLAXIS

Influenza remains one of the world's greatest public health challenges. Each year, there are about 1 billion cases worldwide, of which 3 to 5 million are severe, resulting in 290,000 to 650,000 flu-related deaths. All of this results in great costs for those affected as well as for the health system and society as a whole. This article presents an analysis of influenza morbidity and costs associated with treatment. The article also contains data on the coverage for seasonal influenza immunization. Based on an analysis of the data presented, we concluded that seasonal influenza vaccination is the only effective and inexpensive means of preventing new influenza epidemics and reducing treatment costs for the health systems and the population.