Socioeconomic Value of Adult Respiratory Vaccination in the United States: A Benefit-Cost Analysis

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ID: 313761
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Background Respiratory infections, including pneumococcal disease (PD), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19, impose substantial health and economic burdens on adults in the United States. Although vaccines are available, coverage remains suboptimal. Methods We conducted a societal-perspective benefit–cost analysis of adult PD, RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccination programs. Four disease models estimated averted morbidity, mortality, and productivity losses. We evaluated current CDC recommendations and scenarios of varying eligibility and coverage. A complementary analysis estimated the net present value of one year's vaccination activity. Results Under current age-based recommendations, vaccination prevents over 182,000 deaths and 2.5 million hospitalizations within 15 years. Society values these outcomes at 5-12 times the cost of delivering the programs. Including at-risk adults averts an additional 13,600 deaths. Restricting eligibility or coverage could increase vaccine-preventable hospitalizations by over 1 million, increasing healthcare costs by almost $50 billion; expanding eligibility and increasing coverage to 75% substantially improves societal welfare and could additionally avert over 100,000 deaths. One year's vaccination activity prevents ∼300,000 hospitalizations, and ∼18,500 deaths, generating $6–$12 in societal value per $1 spent. Conclusions Adult respiratory vaccination programs generate considerable societal returns. Increasing coverage and sustaining clear, evidence-based recommendations can unlock further health and economic gains.
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Authors Claud Theakston, Tianyan Hu, Simon Brassel, Jeffrey Vietri, Diana Mendes, Matthew Napier, Ellie Tunnicliffe, Alon Yehoshua, Raymond Farkouh, L Steuten
Journal Health Affairs Scholar
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/haschl/qxag114
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/haschl/qxag114
Keywords Keywords not found

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