Immuno-alignment Effect due to Mass DIV Immunization in Rapidly Evolving Viral Environments

27 August 2021, Version 1
This content is an early or alternative research output and has not been peer-reviewed by Cambridge University Press at the time of posting.

Abstract

Direct to immune systems vaccines (DIV, such as mRNA) offered hope and promise in prevention of a number of conditions, including infectious viral disease. A strong advantage of this method is the ability to influence immune response reliably and predictably in the general population. While the promise and advantages of the approach are undeniable, we argue that in the plane of mass immunization of general population, it needs to be applied with caution specifically, with consideration of possible longer-term effects to prevent and avoid unintended consequences. One such possibility that is considered in this work is the effect of alignment or polarization of population immunity that can cause under certain conditions, as a side effect, accelerated production of resistant strains.

Keywords

Infectious epidemiology
immunity
mass immunization
mathematical modeling

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