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Influenza Vaccination Campaigns: Is an Ounce of Prevention Worth a Pound of Cure?

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  • Courtney J. Ward

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Courtney J. Ward, 2014. "Influenza Vaccination Campaigns: Is an Ounce of Prevention Worth a Pound of Cure?," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 6(1), pages 38-72, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejapp:v:6:y:2014:i:1:p:38-72
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/app.6.1.38
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Douglas Almond & Bhashkar Mazumder, 2005. "The 1918 Influenza Pandemic and Subsequent Health Outcomes: An Analysis of SIPP Data," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 95(2), pages 258-262, May.
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    4. Edward Miguel & Michael Kremer, 2004. "Worms: Identifying Impacts on Education and Health in the Presence of Treatment Externalities," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 72(1), pages 159-217, January.
    5. Geoffard, Pierre-Yves & Philipson, Tomas, 1997. "Disease Eradication: Private versus Public Vaccination," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 87(1), pages 222-230, March.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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    1. Influenza Vaccination Campaigns: Is an Ounce of Prevention Worth a Pound of Cure? (American Economic Journal: Applied Economics 2014) in ReplicationWiki

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