Vaccinations should continue as influenza pandemics epidemics wane, experts urge

As part of ongoing work with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services during the H1N1 influenza pandemic, the University of Pittsburgh Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study (MIDAS) team employed an agent-based computer simulation model of the Washington, DC metropolitan region to delineate what mechanisms could generate a subsequent (e.g., "third) epidemic wave" and explored whether vaccinating the population at different rates and times would mitigate the wave. This model included explicit representations of the region's individuals, school systems, workplaces/commutes, households, and communities.

"The present study identified potential mechanisms for a multiple-wave influenza epidemic and demonstrated how vaccination can mitigate additional waves, thereby supporting the continuation of a vaccination program even when an epidemic appears to be waning, as in December 2009 -January 2010," commented lead investigator Bruce Y. Lee, MD, MBA, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Graduate School of Public Health. "Although vaccinating a population before an epidemic begins is ideal, public health decision makers should not rule out initiating a vaccination program even though they know that the vaccine will not arrive in time to affect the initial wave of an epidemic. Uncertainties remained for decision making by public health officials on the question of dedicating resources and credibility to the H1N1 vaccination program. However, these simulations do lend support for continuation of the program and to continued public education on the benefits of receiving the vaccine."

Four mechanisms have been identified that could cause a subsequent (e.g., third) epidemic wave: substantially increased viral transmissibility that changes with the seasons; progressive viral adaptation; an immune escape variant; and changes in social mixing from holiday school closures. These mechanisms were modeled using the Washington, DC metropolitan region and 7.4 million "agents" or virtual persons who carried out normal daily behaviors.

The model was calibrated to produce infection rates that mirrored historical outbreaks. Then, by implementing vaccinations, the researchers could examine the conditions where the third wave could be significantly mitigated. Scenarios showed that initiating vaccination earlier, increasing the speed of vaccination, and prioritizing population subgroups based on Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations; all had positive effects on the third wave.