BACKGROUND:
The cost of influenza vaccination is believed to be an obstacle to increasing vaccination coverage rates. A National Immunization Program (NIP) working group has been determining parameters of a Flu for Adults (FFA) program.

OBJECTIVE:
Determine components and economic costs of FFA.

METHOD:
NIP and Census Bureau data provide a range of costs for potential FFA programs. Project growth in program costs to 2010.

RESULT:
Two models – vaccine-replacement and voucher – constructed for two population estimates; 18-64 year olds at medical risk with and without income restrictions. Parameters of the models are listed below:
• Income-restricted population
o 12.2% of 50-64 year olds living at or below 125% of poverty line, are un/underinsured, and are high risk
o 15.48% of 18-49 year olds living at or below 125% of the poverty line, are un/underinsured, and are 15% or 20% high risk
• No-income-restrictions population
o 50-64 year olds are all high risk and un/underinsured
o 18-49 year olds are 15% or 20% high risk
• Vaccine-replacement (using high/low public price of vaccine)
o 150% of price for start-up and operations year one
o 45% of price for operations in other years
o 125% of price for physician administration, storage and handling expenses.
o Per-dose cost 3% annual inflation and .5% population adjustments
• Voucher program (using high/low public price of vaccine)
o 250% of price for start-up and operations year one
o 25% of price for operations in other years
o 75% of price for commercial administration, storage and handling expenses
o Per-dose cost 3% annual inflation and .5% population adjustments

CONCLUSION:
These FFA cost alternatives will provide a framework for discussion about how these programs should be set up and their possible costs.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Explain the components of a FFA.