Dynamics of a multigroup epidemiological model with group-targeted vaccination strategies

A multigroup SIR   epidemiological model is used to study the effects of group-targeted vaccination strategies on disease control and prevention. The model takes into consideration both proportionate and preferential mixing patterns between groups. We show that the dynamical behaviors of the model are determined by the control reproduction number RvRv and, under certain conditions, by the type-reproduction number T1v. These reproduction numbers provide criteria for evaluating control strategies including targeted vaccination programs and reduction of interactions between groups. We also illustrate how these reproduction numbers can be used to examine the influence of population heterogeneities such as group preferences, activity levels, and mixing patterns. Criteria are also established for disease eradication from the entire network of populations by applying vaccination strategies in one or some sub-populations.

► Analytical and numerical results are obtained to show the importance of preferential mixing in disease control and prevention.
► It is shown that the reproduction numbers Rv and T1v determines disease dynamics.
► The group reproduction number T1v helps evaluate group-targeted vaccination strategies.
► Investigated how mixing patterns may influence the effectiveness of vaccination programs.