Influenza Vaccination, Household Composition, and Race-Based Differences in Influenza Incidence: An Agent-Based...

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Computational Modeling

Background:

• Influenza vaccination disparities exist across racial groups.
• Understanding these disparities is crucial for public health interventions.
• Household composition may influence disease transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the impact of racial disparities in influenza vaccination coverage.
• To assess the role of household composition in influenza cases.
• To explore the persistence of racial disparities in influenza cases.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Framework for Reconstructing Epidemiological Dynamics (FRED) agent-based model.
• Simulated symptomatic influenza cases comparing race-specific and equal vaccination coverage scenarios.
• Incorporated US Census data on age, race, household structure, and geography.

Main Results:

• Influenza cases were highest in populations with a greater proportion of children.
• Black individuals experienced up to 30% higher influenza cases under both vaccination scenarios.
• Black households with children had higher case rates compared to White households with children.

Conclusions:

• Racial disparities in influenza cases remain even when vaccination coverage is equalized.
• The proportion of children in a population is a significant factor in influenza case burden.
• Household composition differences offer insights into racial disparities and potential vaccination strategies.