Open AccessA stochastic programming model of vaccine preparation and administration for seasonal influenza interventions
Author(s) -
Sheng I. Chen,
Chia Yuan Wu
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
mathematical biosciences and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.451
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1551-0018
pISSN - 1547-1063
DOI - 10.3934/mbe.2020169
Subject(s) - stochastic programming , vaccination , immunization , mathematical optimization , mathematics , psychological intervention , stochastic modelling , computer science , medicine , statistics , virology , immunology , psychiatry , antigen
This study considers the integration of vaccine preparation and administration decisions for seasonal influenza interventions. We examine actual vaccination activities of sharing multiple vaccine products and supplementary vaccinations. A two-stage stochastic program is formulated to determine the optimal ordering and allocation of vaccines under uncertain attack rates, vaccine efficacies, and demands. We present an algorithm based on the sample average approximation and warm-start solution to solve the stochastic integer program with continuous random variables. Furthermore, the optimal solution for the deterministic model using the expected value is analyzed and obtained directly. Our analysis compares the deterministic and stochastic solutions to assess the impact of uncertainties on the immunization outcomes and costs. The result shows that the stochastic programming model provides a more robust solution than the deterministic model, and uncertain characteristics should consider when making public health decisions.