Potential Benefits of Universal Influenza Vaccination on Health Outcomes and Costs in Mexico
Author(s)
Pascal Crépey, PhD1, Diana Vilar, MD2, Patricia Cervantes, MD3, José BARTELT-HOFER, PhD4, Carlos Noda, Licenciado3.
1University of Rennes, Rennes, France, 2Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México City, Mexico, 3Sanofi, México City, Mexico, 4Sanofi Vaccines, Lyon, France.
1University of Rennes, Rennes, France, 2Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México City, Mexico, 3Sanofi, México City, Mexico, 4Sanofi Vaccines, Lyon, France.
OBJECTIVES: Influenza continues to pose a significant public health burden. Although annual vaccination is the most effective preventive strategy, current policies in Mexico target only high-risk groups: children aged 6 to 59 months, adults over 60 years, and individuals with comorbidities, potentially limiting broader population benefits. Universal Influenza Vaccination (UIV), by contrast, includes wider age groups regardless of individual risk. This study evaluated the potential health and economic impact of adopting a UIV approach in Mexico, compared to the current targeted vaccination program.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using an age-stratified dynamic transmission model to simulate the effect of adopting U.S. influenza vaccination coverage rates for age groups not currently included in Mexico’s immunization policy. Epidemiological outcomes were integrated into a health economic model populated with Mexico-specific clinical and cost data. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the results.
RESULTS: In a typical influenza season, the UIV program was estimated to reduce influenza cases by 57.94% (95% CI: 40.56%-71.21%), leading to 57.65% (40.32%-70.93%) fewer medical consultations, 56.23% (39.86%-69.05%) fewer hospitalizations, and a 55.53% (39.42%-68.56%) reduction in influenza-related deaths. Health gains included a 56.11% (40.02%-68.99%) reduction in life-years lost and a 57.32% (40.4%-70.44%) reduction in QALYs lost. Benefits were observed across both targeted and general populations, likely due to indirect protection from broader immunization. The strategy generated cost savings of USD 321.58 million from the third-party payer perspective and USD 389.22 million from the societal perspective.
CONCLUSIONS: Expanding influenza vaccination coverage through a UIV program in Mexico could substantially reduce disease burden and healthcare costs, offering both direct and indirect health benefits. These findings support the adoption of broader immunization strategies as a cost-saving and life-saving public health intervention.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using an age-stratified dynamic transmission model to simulate the effect of adopting U.S. influenza vaccination coverage rates for age groups not currently included in Mexico’s immunization policy. Epidemiological outcomes were integrated into a health economic model populated with Mexico-specific clinical and cost data. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the results.
RESULTS: In a typical influenza season, the UIV program was estimated to reduce influenza cases by 57.94% (95% CI: 40.56%-71.21%), leading to 57.65% (40.32%-70.93%) fewer medical consultations, 56.23% (39.86%-69.05%) fewer hospitalizations, and a 55.53% (39.42%-68.56%) reduction in influenza-related deaths. Health gains included a 56.11% (40.02%-68.99%) reduction in life-years lost and a 57.32% (40.4%-70.44%) reduction in QALYs lost. Benefits were observed across both targeted and general populations, likely due to indirect protection from broader immunization. The strategy generated cost savings of USD 321.58 million from the third-party payer perspective and USD 389.22 million from the societal perspective.
CONCLUSIONS: Expanding influenza vaccination coverage through a UIV program in Mexico could substantially reduce disease burden and healthcare costs, offering both direct and indirect health benefits. These findings support the adoption of broader immunization strategies as a cost-saving and life-saving public health intervention.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
CO183
Topic
Clinical Outcomes, Economic Evaluation, Epidemiology & Public Health
Topic Subcategory
Performance-based Outcomes
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, Vaccines