Cost-effectiveness of universal influenza vaccination in a pregnant population

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to estimate whether universal influenza vaccination of pregnant women was cost-effective in the management of influenza-like illness during influenza season. METHODS: A decision analysis model was developed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of providing inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine to all pregnant women. This scenario was compared with providing supportive care only on a case-by-case basis to the unvaccinated pregnant population. RESULTS: Vaccination of 100% of pregnant women would save approximately $50 per woman, resulting in a net gain of approximately 45 quality-adjusted hours relative to providing supportive care only. CONCLUSION: Universal vaccination with inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine is cost-saving relative to providing supportive care alone in the pregnant population.