Predicting the dynamics of Covid-19 incidence and planning preventive vaccination measures for Moscow population based on mathematical modeling

Abstract

The results of the predictive analytical studies on Covid-19 incidence dynamics in Moscow, taking into account different changes in epidemic prevention measures, including vaccination coverage of the population, are presented.Research Objective. Using the new epidemiological model for analysis and prediction of the Covid-19 incidence dynamics in Moscow and outlining main strategies in implementing epidemic prevention measures (EPMs), including vaccination in 2020/2021.Materials and methods. The epidemiological model is based on the Russian approach to mathematical modeling of epidemics, known as Epiddynamics. The medium-term forecasting incorporated probable scenarios of epidemic development with different EPMs (isolation of the infected and contacts, breaking the transmission chains), including different rates of vaccination coverage in Moscow.Results and discussion. The computational simulations demonstrated that the incidence rate is likely to increase with scaling down EPMs and zero vaccination coverage. At the same time, the daily incidence rate depends on the degree of EPMs reduction and basically does not depend on the time when the reduction begins. With scaled-down EPMs, vaccination can decrease the incidence, though its effectiveness will depend on the time of its commencement, coverage and rate.Conclusion. The computational simulations showed that the vaccination will be efficient for prevention of new surges in COVID-19 cases only if the other EPMs (isolation of the infected and contacts, breaking the transmission chains) are still in place until the vaccination coverage reaches about 2 million people. Ideally, the measures aimed at isolation and breaking of transmission chains should be continued until the total vaccination coverage reaches 4 million people, after which the restrictive measures can be scaled down significantly. With vaccination coverage of 50% of the population of Moscow, the restrictive measures can be completely discontinued.

Keywords

• covid-19
• sars-cov-2
• epidemic process
• epidemiological model
• potential scenarios
• epidemic prevention measures
• predictive analytical studies