The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy

What impact do allergies have on the Australian economy?

A report titled ‘The Economic Impact of Allergies' has found that in 2007 the financial cost of allergies was $7.8 billion.

$5.6 billion of this was lost productivity, $1.2 billion was direct health system expenditure, $261.5 million was other indirect costs such as aids and home modifications and $783 million was deadweight loss from transfers including welfare payments and taxation foregone.

The personal cost to those affected by allergies is also very high, the estimated cost to Australians who suffer from allergy is estimated at $21.5 billion.

Who is responsible for this report?

‘The Economic Impact of Allergies' report was prepared by Access Economics in conjunction with the Australasian Society for Clinical Immunology and Allergy

(ASCIA) and will be officially launched on November 13.

What is the purpose of this report?

In Australia there is a lack of recognition of the impact of allergic and immune disorders on quality of life and even less recognition of the economic impact on society and individuals who suffer allergic disease.

Through the report ASCIA and Access Economics hope to raise the awareness of the economic and health impacts, therefore prioritising this issue with state and federal health systems.

What is an allergy?

Allergies are chronic immunological disorders that occur when a person's immune system mounts an abnormal response to allergens that do not normally bother other people. Examples are allergic rhinitis or hay fever, allergic asthma, food allergies and sting and bite allergies.

How many people in Australia are affected by allergies?

Australia and New Zealand have the highest prevalence of allergic disorders in the developed world.

4.1 million Australians have at least one allergy, this represents19.6% of the population. The working aged population is most affected, with 78% of people with allergies aged between 16 to 64 years.

There are 7.2 million cases of allergies in Australia meaning there is an average of 1.74 comorbid allergies per person.