OBJECTIVES: Vaccination against influenza has been associated with the improvement of risk profile for macrovascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). We determined the savings due to the macrovascular events avoided in DM2 population when vaccination rates with a quadrivalent standard dose influenza vaccine (QIV-SD) are increased from a healthcare system perspective.

METHODS: A cost-benefit analysis model was developed from the healthcare system perspective for a 1-year time horizon. The clinical outcomes included correspond to DM2 complications: acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke. QIV-SD effectiveness was determined according to published literature with a reduction of 22% and 18% for AMI and stroke respectively. Comparison scenarios correspond to expected total cost of macrovascular events with base vaccine coverage rates (VCR) of 20% versus 30%, 40%, and 50%.

The population used for the analysis was obtained from national public databases and from published literature. Clinical data for risk profile and incidence of macrovascular events associated with DM2 was taken from the published literature. Costs included in this study where PAHO vaccine acquisition price and costs for event management was obtained from published literature in the local setting.

RESULTS: A target population of 103,412 patients with DM2 was calculated. Expected costs per patient due to macro vascular events were calculated at USD $730.82 for non-vaccinated patients, and USD $576.03 for vaccinated patients. With a base case of QIV coverage rates of 20%, increasing the rates to 30%, 40% and 50%, represents potential net savings of USD $1,547,569 ($646,202-$2,328,754), $3,095,138 ($1,292,404-$4,657,507) and USD $4,642,707 ($1,938,606-$$6,986,261) respectively for the healthcare system.

CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccination with QIV-SD for the DM2 population represents potential net savings for the healthcare system, when VCR increases due to the reduction in macro vascular events and costs related to them. Therefore, identifying and vaccinating this population may be advantageous.