High costs of influenza: Direct medical costs of influenza disease in young children

Vaccine. 2010 Jul 12;28(31):4913-9. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.05.036. Epub 2010 May 31.

Abstract

This study determined direct medical costs for influenza-associated hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits. For 3 influenza seasons, children <5 years of age with laboratory-confirmed influenza were identified through population-based surveillance. The mean direct cost per hospitalized child was $5402, with annual cost burden estimated at $44 to $163 million. Factors associated with high-cost hospitalizations included intensive care unit (ICU) admission and having an underlying high-risk condition. The mean medical cost per ED visit was $512, with annual ED cost burden estimated at $62 to $279 million. Implementation of the current vaccination policies will likely reduce the cost burden.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / economics*
  • Female
  • Hospital Costs / statistics & numerical data*
  • Hospitalization / economics*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Influenza, Human / economics*
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology
  • Male
  • United States