Cost-benefits of measles eradication: effects of a federal intervention.

Abstract

This study applies time-series experimentation methods in estimating costs and benefits of measles eradication efforts conducted by the Center for Disease Control beginning in 1966. Application of an integrated moving average model, explicated by Box and Tiao, in an interrupted-time-series design, facilitates estimation of reductions in measles cases attributable to federally sponsored eradication efforts and provides a basis for applying cost-benefit standards to this public policy.