Potential Cost-Effectiveness of Maternal Influenza Immunisation in Low-Income Countries
A recent article by Ms Yingying (Cyan) Wang from Economics of Global Health and Infectious Diseases Unit (GHID), supervised by A/Prof Natalie Carvalho from GHID and Prof Michelle Giles from Department of Infectious Disease at University of Melbourne and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Monash University, has been published in Vaccines.
Maternal influenza immunisation is recommended for protecting pregnant women and infants under six months of age from severe disease related to influenza. However, few low-income countries have introduced this vaccine, in part because of limited economic evidence of the intervention. Addressing the crucial issue of maternal and infant health in low-income countries, this study investigated the cost-effectiveness of maternal influenza immunisation, focusing on its broader health implications, such as the potential reduction in preterm births.
The study synthesized data from all available low-income countries and evaluated the economic viability and health benefits of this intervention through an explorative modelling approach and value of information analysis. The results indicated that maternal influenza immunization may substantially enhance child health and may be cost-effective in low-income countries, if it could lead to broader health benefits. It highlights the need for additional clinical research to address existing uncertainties and optimize vaccination policies.