The effect of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in the elderly on health service utilisation and costs: a claims data-based cohort study.

Background: To date, cost-effectiveness of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations was assumed in several health economic modelling studies, but confirmation by real-world data is sparse. The aim of this study is to assess the effects on health care utilisation and costs in the elderly using real-world data on both, outpatient and inpatient care.

Methods: Retrospective community-based cohort study with 138,877 individuals aged ≥ 60 years, insured in a large health insurance fund in Thuringia (Germany).

Preventive effects of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in the elderly - results from a population-based retrospective cohort study.

Influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations are recommended in the elderly to reduce life-threatening complications like sepsis. Protection may be reduced with increasing age. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of both vaccines in the elderly by performing a retrospective cohort study of 138,877 individuals aged ≥60 y in Germany, who were insured in a large statutory health insurance (AOK PLUS).

Hospitalization and Intensive Therapy at the End of Life.

Background: Germany has more intensive care unit (ICU) beds per capita than the USA, but the utilization of these resources at the end of life is unknown.

Methods: Retrospective observational study using nationwide German hospital discharge data (DRG statistics; DRG, diag- nosis-related groups) from 2007 to 2015. We investigated hospital deaths and use of intensive care services during terminal hospitalizations.

Increasing influenza and pneumococcal vaccine uptake in the elderly: study protocol for the multi-methods prospective intervention study Vaccination60.

Background: Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination can prevent disease and potentially life-threatening complications like sepsis. Elderly people have an increased risk of severe disease and therefore constitute a major target group for vaccination. To increase vaccination coverage, targeted interventions are needed that take theory-based specific determinants of vaccination behaviour into account.