A cost-benefit analysis of immunization for pneumococcal pneumonia.

To determine whether immunization against pneumococcal pneumonia could be justified on the basis of a favorable benefit to cost ratio, we evaluated the projected impact of a program of pneumococcal vaccination on the population of a health maintenance organization. Retrospective data on average provider and patient costs associated with episodes of pneumococcal pneumonia were coupled with forecasts of the likely effectiveness of currently available vaccine and its impact on anticipated incidence of pneumonia. We found that when provider-centered and patient-centered costs and benefits were added, a program of immunizing those traditionally considered to be at high risk of contracting pneumococcal pneumonia (50 years of age and older; patients with chronic diseases of the heart, liver, lungs, or kidneys; and those with diabetes mellitus) was justified on a cost-benefit basis.