Type reproduction number for epidemic models on heterogeneous networks

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method using the type reproduction number to accurately determine immunization thresholds in heterogeneous networks, enhancing understanding of targeted immunization strategies.

Contribution

It presents the first explicit formula for the immunization threshold in heterogeneous networks, improving the precision of epidemic modeling and control strategies.

Findings

Derived a simple formula for immunization threshold

Quantified the impact of targeted immunization on population immunity

Enhanced epidemic modeling accuracy for heterogeneous networks

Abstract

Infection can spread easily on networks with heterogeneous degree distribution. Here, we considered targeted immunization on such networks, wherein a fraction of individuals with the highest connectivity are immunized. To quantify the effect of this targeted immunization approach on population immunity, we proposed a method using the type reproduction number. Consequently, we derived a precise and simple formula that can yield the immunization threshold, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first such result presented in the literature.