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SUMMARY:Epidemiology and modelling to support the routine infant immunisat
 ion programme in England - Lauren Adams\, Department of Veterinary Medicin
 e
DTSTART:20250129T160000Z
DTEND:20250129T170000Z
UID:TALK226036@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Fiona Roby
DESCRIPTION:The routine infant immunization program in England has been in
 strumental in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with vaccine-pre
 ventable diseases. This thesis explores the use of epidemiological and mat
 hematical modelling to inform vaccination policy\, focusing on two critica
 l aspects: the impact of changes to the meningococcal vaccination schedule
  and the potential introduction of a universal varicella vaccine.\nTwo dyn
 amic transmission models were developed and applied to evaluate these issu
 es. The first model assessed the consequences of withdrawing the Hib/MenC 
 vaccine from the infant schedule\, revealing that teenage MenACWY vaccinat
 ion provides sufficient indirect protection to mitigate the need for an in
 fant MenC dose. The second model examined the epidemiological and economic
  implications of introducing a varicella vaccine. The findings indicated t
 hat routine varicella vaccination would dramatically reduce varicella inci
 dence and be cost-effective\, despite a modest rise in zoster cases.\nThe 
 thesis also investigated the influence of structural choices in vaccinatio
 n modelling on disease dynamics and outcomes\, highlighting the importance
  of robust model assumptions and sensitivity analyses. These findings unde
 rscore the value of mathematical modelling in adapting vaccination policie
 s. \nThis work provides insights to policymakers\, recommending the stream
 lining of the meningococcal schedule and the introduction of a varicella v
 accine. It also emphasizes the need for ongoing investment in data-driven 
 modelling approaches to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of im
 munization programs in England.\n\nSpeaker bio:\nLauren graduated with an 
 integrated master's in mathematics from Keele University in 2019. After wo
 rking in a microbiology lab\, she wanted a career in research which combin
 ed her maths degree with her newfound interest in infectious diseases. She
  then completed a master's in public health at Warwick university before s
 tarting her PhD here in 2021. \n\n\n\nChaired by Olivier Restif
LOCATION:LT1\, Department of Veterinary Medicine
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