Cost comparison of 2 mass vaccination campaigns against influenza a H1N1 in New York City

Objectives. We estimated and compared total costs and costs per dose administered for 2 influenza A 2009 monovalent vaccine campaigns in New York City: an elementary school-located campaign targeting enrolled children aged 4 years and older, and a community-based points-of-dispensing campaign for anyone aged 4 years and older. Methods. We determined costs from invoices or we estimated costs. We obtained vaccination data from the Citywide Immunization Registry and reports from the community points of dispensing. Results. The school campaign delivered approximately 202089 vaccines for $17.9 million and $88 per dose. The community campaign delivered 49986 vaccines for $7.6 million and $151 per dose. At projected capacity, the school campaign could have delivered 371827 doses at $53 each or $13 each when we excluded the value of in-kind resources. The community points of dispensing could have administered 174000 doses at $51 each or $24 each when we excluded the value of in-kind resources. Conclusions. The school campaign delivered vaccines at a lower cost per dose than did the community campaign. Had demand been higher, both campaigns may have delivered vaccine at lower, more comparable cost per dose.