Flu Shot Doesn’t Save Money, Study Says

Giving healthy adult workers annual influenza vaccines does not save money, even though it does prevent many cases of flu, researchers said. The researchers said a study suggests it might be better to save the vaccines for people who are at the greatest risk of complications from the flu, such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. This is especially true in years such as this one, when the vaccine is in short supply. “Vaccination of healthy adults may not provide overall economic benefit, even in a well-paid population,” said Dr. Carolyn Buxton Bridges of the National Center for Infectious Diseases at the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.