Maximizing revaccination effectiveness under resource constraints in the SIRVS model

Discrete compartmental epidemiological models are widely used in epidemiological modeling because they allow the study of relationships between microscopic dynamics and macroscopic properties of the epidemic. They can also be used to optimize control strategies. Adequate planning of epidemic control methods is particularly important in situations where the disease may be endemic or where repeated vaccination is required due to new mutations or loss of immunity. Using the agent-based SIRVS model, we show that despite limited resources, it is still possible to design the most effective control strategy by finding the optimal time interval between successive booster doses. Importantly, the optimal time between successive vaccinations exists even in the presence of limited resources. Its value depends on the proportion of the population willing to take the vaccine and is also influenced by the clustering of individuals with respect to their attitudes toward vaccination. Finally, we show that from an individual perspective, willingness to vaccinate, coupled with successful vaccination, are key components in reducing the number of reinfections of the same individual.