Medical economics in the field of influenza--past, present and future.

Influenza represents a major challenge for public health worldwide. The burden of suffering is not only reflected by the extent of hospitalisations and deaths arising from this devastating disease, but also by the attributed economic toll. The economics of this disease can, however, be changed favourably due to the availability of efficacious vaccines. Recent studies have demonstrated the economic benefits of vaccinating not only persons at risk, but also healthy working adults. There seems to be an economic advantage even in immunising certain pediatric subpopulations. Only with a clear and transparent body of economic evidence will it be possible to advise health authorities and payors on the utility of influenza vaccination vaccination policies.