OBJECTIVES : To estimate the budget impact (BI) of introducing a quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) for adult patients with comorbidities covered under private insurance in Dubai, compared with current scenario of no vaccination coverage from societal perspective.

METHODS : The key model inputs included number of adult patients with comorbidities, predicted vaccination coverage rates for 5 years (10% in 2020-21 to 75% in 2024-25), incidence of infection, number of consultations and hospitalisations. The cost inputs included consultations, hospitalisation, unit price of vaccine and workday lost in Arab Emirati Dirham (AED). Mortality cost data was not included in the analysis due to non-availability of data.

RESULTS : The study showed that over the 5-year time horizon, total cost of influenza management with introduction of QIV was lower compared to no vaccine coverage scenario (AED 988 million and 1,260 million respectively), resulting in net budget savings of 21.6% (AED 271.7 million). A gradual increase in budget savings were observed in the 5 years; maximum savings were observed at a WHO recommended coverage rate of 75% (39.44%, AED 99.4 million) followed by coverage rate of 60% (31.55%, AED 79.5 million). The introduction of QIV reduced the number of influenza related hospitalizations, consultations and productivity loss compared to no vaccine scenario.

CONCLUSIONS : The introduction of QIV in Dubai Private Insurance for adult patients with comorbidities would lead to budget savings by reducing the number of total influenza cases and healthcare resources utilized due to influenza infection.