Systematic review on the costs and cost-effectiveness of influenza illness and vaccination in low- and middle-income countries

A systematic review in PLOS Medicine collates economic evaluations between 2012 and 2022 describing the costs of influenza illness, costs of influenza vaccination programs and vaccination cost-effectiveness from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to assess if gaps persist that could hinder global implementation of influenza vaccination programs.

The review identified 54 relevant studies which suggest an increased momentum to generate economic evidence about influenza illness and vaccination from LMICs during 2012 to 2022. Given the substantial heterogeneity observed, continued evaluation of the economic burden of influenza illness and costs/cost-effectiveness of influenza vaccination, particularly in low income countries and among underrepresented target groups (e.g., health care workers and pregnant persons), is needed. Use of standardized methodology could facilitate pooling across settings and knowledge sharing to strengthen global influenza vaccination programs.