Identifying optimal vaccination strategies via economic and epidemiological modeling

Vaccination is among the most effective means of preventing and controlling infectious disease outbreaks. Mathematical models can be used to identify the optimal allocation of vaccine among various groups when host populations are heterogeneous. Population heterogeneity may affect individual decision-making and government policy. We show that mixing among sub-populations can profoundly influence the optimal vaccination allocation. Centralized and decentralized programs are examined, accounting for individual behavior and economic constraints. We also compare approaches to modeling transitions between epidemiological classes by epidemiological and economic modelers, and identify key differences.