vaxmodeller

Vaxmodeller is a software framework for simulating the spread of infectious diseases and the impact of vaccination interventions. It supports a range of modelling paradigms, including compartmental models such as SIR and SEIR, and can incorporate agent-based or metapopulation elements. The tool is designed to help researchers and public health planners compare vaccination strategies, coverage targets, timing, and logistics under varying assumptions. Outputs typically include cumulative and daily infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, and the framework can be extended to economic metrics such as cost-effectiveness.

The architecture of vaxmodeller is modular and configuration-driven, enabling users to define models through structured files or scripting interfaces. It supports time-varying transmission, age-structured contact patterns, and geographic stratification, enabling scenarios that reflect real-world heterogeneity. The engine offers stochastic simulation options, calibration and sensitivity analysis capabilities, and visualization tools. It can import data from common epidemiological datasets and export results for reporting and policy discussions.

Common applications include comparative policy analysis, assessment of vaccination strategies such as target-group prioritization, school-based programs, and ring vaccination, and planning under supply constraints. Users can explore scenario outcomes related to herd immunity thresholds, waning immunity, and changes in vaccine effectiveness or uptake.

Development and ecosystem notes indicate that vaxmodeller is often released as an open-source project hosted on public repositories, with documentation, tutorials, and example models. The platform supports community extensions and collaborations, and is used by universities, public health agencies, and research organizations to inform decision-making.

Limitations include dependence on model structure and data quality; results are scenario-based and should be interpreted with caution and in context of uncertainty, validation, and expert judgment.