Epidemiology and modelling to support the routine infant immunisation programme in England

Add to your list(s) Download to your calendar using vCal

• Lauren Adams, Department of Veterinary Medicine
• Wednesday 29 January 2025, 16:00-17:00
• LT1, Department of Veterinary Medicine.

If you have a question about this talk, please contact Fiona Roby.

The routine infant immunization program in England has been instrumental in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with vaccine-preventable diseases. This thesis explores the use of epidemiological and mathematical modelling to inform vaccination policy, focusing on two critical aspects: the impact of changes to the meningococcal vaccination schedule and the potential introduction of a universal varicella vaccine. Two dynamic transmission models were developed and applied to evaluate these issues. The first model assessed the consequences of withdrawing the Hib/MenC vaccine from the infant schedule, revealing that teenage MenACWY vaccination provides sufficient indirect protection to mitigate the need for an infant MenC dose. The second model examined the epidemiological and economic implications of introducing a varicella vaccine. The findings indicated that routine varicella vaccination would dramatically reduce varicella incidence and be cost-effective, despite a modest rise in zoster cases. The thesis also investigated the influence of structural choices in vaccination modelling on disease dynamics and outcomes, highlighting the importance of robust model assumptions and sensitivity analyses. These findings underscore the value of mathematical modelling in adapting vaccination policies. This work provides insights to policymakers, recommending the streamlining of the meningococcal schedule and the introduction of a varicella vaccine. It also emphasizes the need for ongoing investment in data-driven modelling approaches to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of immunization programs in England.

Speaker bio: Lauren graduated with an integrated master’s in mathematics from Keele University in 2019. After working in a microbiology lab, she wanted a career in research which combined her maths degree with her newfound interest in infectious diseases. She then completed a master’s in public health at Warwick university before starting her PhD here in 2021.

Chaired by Olivier Restif

This talk is part of the Pre-viva talks Dept of Veterinary Medicine series.

This talk is included in these lists:

• LT1, Department of Veterinary Medicine
• Pre-viva talks Dept of Veterinary Medicine

Note that ex-directory lists are not shown.