Determining optimal influenza vaccination strategies in Hong Kong

Professor Cowling, Benjamin John   (Principal Investigator (PI))

Dr Sullivan Sheena   (Co-Investigator)

Professor Leung Nancy Hiu Lan   (Co-Investigator)

Professor Tsang Kam Lun Tim   (Co-Investigator)

Dr Thompson Mark   (Co-Investigator)

Professor Ip Dennis Kai Ming   (Co-Investigator)

Dr Cobey Sarah   (Co-Investigator)

60

2021-01-01

7798380

Determining optimal influenza vaccination strategies in Hong Kong

Epidemiology, Influenza, Public Health, Transmission, Vaccination

Population Health

SRFS2021-7S03

RGC Senior Research Fellow Scheme

2020

On-going

1. Estimate the relative effectiveness of enhanced vaccines in older adults Here, I will analyze data from a comparative trial of alternative enhanced vaccines in older adults in Hong Kong, and model changes in immune status over time following vaccination. I will use external data on the links between immunogenicity and efficacy to infer vaccine effectiveness and then estimate the potential impact of alternative vaccination strategies on influenza-associated hospitalization and deaths. 2. Estimate the relative effectiveness of twice-annual vaccination in older adults I will use data from a comparative trial of once-annual versus twice-annual influenza vaccination in older adults in Hong Kong, and model changes in immune status over time. As with objective 1, I will use external data on the links between immunogenicity and efficacy to infer vaccine effectiveness, and I will then estimate the potential public health impact of twice-annual vaccination. 3. Test and compare alternative hypotheses for repeat vaccination effects To address this objective, I will analyze the data from the vaccine trials described above and test a number of competing hypotheses for repeat vaccination effects. Data from the trials in Hong Kong are unique and extremely valuable, since very few influenza vaccine trials have followed individuals over more than 2 years. 4. Identify optimal influenza vaccination strategies for older adults In addressing this objective, I will synthesize and compare estimates of the effectiveness of alternative vaccination strategies (objectives 1 and 2), taking into account repeat vaccination effects (objective 3), and the cost of each strategy.