Why Giving More Kids the Flu Shot Could Save Sweden Money and Lives

In Sweden, most flu shots go to older adults and people at high risk. But kids catch the flu easily and spread it fast. A new study looked at what happens if more children aged 2 to 17 get the nasal spray vaccine called LAIV.

Researchers built a special computer model to test this idea. The model tracked how three types of flu spread over one season. They compared the usual vaccination rate with a plan that boosted child vaccination from almost nothing to 25%.

The results were striking. Boosting LAIV use could stop over half a million flu cases in a single season. Most of those cases were in adults and babies too young to be vaccinated. That means kids getting vaccinated helps protect others too.

The model also found fewer doctor visits, hospital stays, and ICU admissions. It even prevented nearly 100 deaths. From a healthcare payer's view, the cost per year of healthy life gained was reasonable. From society's view, the program saved money overall.

The study suggests that expanding the nasal flu vaccine for kids in Sweden makes sense. It cuts illness, saves lives, and lowers costs. The benefits reach far beyond just the children who get the shot.