Workplace influenza vaccination in private hospital setting: a cost-benefit analysis

BACKGROUND: Influenza illness causes several disruptions to the workforce.

The absenteeism that often ensues has economic implications for employers.

This study aimed to estimate the cost-benefit of influenza vaccination in a healthcare setting from the employer’s perspective.

METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in a private hospital in 2018–2019 comparing voluntary vaccinated with non-vaccinated employees with influenza vaccine.

The analyses were made based on self-reporting on absenteeism and presenteeism from Influenza-like illnesses (ILIs).

The costs incurred, both direct and indirect costs, were included in the study.

A cost-benefit analysis was performed by measuring the cost of the vaccination program.

The costs of absenteeism and reduced productivity were calculated using 3 hypothesised levels of effectiveness in the following percentage of productivity of 30%, 50%, and 70%.

The costs were also calculated based on four scenarios: with and without operating income and with and without replacement.

The benefits of the influenza vaccination from the employer’s perspective were analysed.

The benefit to cost ratio was determined.

RESULTS: A total of four hundred and twenty-one respondents participated.

The influenza vaccination rate was 63.0%.

The rate of ILI of 38.1% was significantly lower among vaccinated.

The ILI-related absenteeism reported was also significantly lower amongst vaccinated employees at 30% compared to 70% non-vaccinated.

Employers could save up to USD 18.95 per vaccinated employee when only labour cost was included or 54.0% of cost savings.

The cost-saving rose to USD 155.56 when the operating income per employee was also included.

The benefit to cost ratio confirmed that the net cost-benefit gained from the vaccination was more than the net cost of vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccination for working adults was cost-saving and cost-beneficial when translated into financial investments for the employer.

A workplace vaccination demonstrates a significant cost-benefit strategy to be applied in any institutional setting.