American Economic Journal:
Applied Economics
ISSN 1945-7782 (Print) | ISSN 1945-7790 (Online)
Influenza Vaccination Campaigns: Is an Ounce of Prevention Worth a Pound of Cure?
American Economic Journal: Applied Economics
(pp. 38–72)
Abstract
This paper estimates the overall impact and externality effects of an influenza vaccination program expanding coverage outside the typical target group. Using a triple-difference design, which exploits the introduction of a broad based vaccination program in Ontario and the quality of the vaccine from year to year, I link higher vaccination to health improvements. Results indicate coverage expansion leads to large excess gains for program-regions; benefits exhibit decreasing returns corresponding to a standard model of disease dynamics; and substantial external benefits accrue to older adults.Citation
Ward, Courtney J. 2014. "Influenza Vaccination Campaigns: Is an Ounce of Prevention Worth a Pound of Cure?" American Economic Journal: Applied Economics 6 (1): 38–72. DOI: 10.1257/app.6.1.38Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- H75 State and Local Government: Health; Education; Welfare; Public Pensions
- I12 Health Production
- I18 Health: Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health