How Do Epidemiologists Evaluate Immunization Programs?
Epidemiologists use various metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of immunization programs. These include:
- Coverage Rates: The percentage of the target population that has received the vaccine. - Incidence and Prevalence Rates: The number of new and existing cases of the disease. - Outbreak Surveillance: Monitoring for any outbreaks and assessing their magnitude and scope. - Vaccine Efficacy and Effectiveness: Measuring how well the vaccine works in clinical trials and in real-world conditions.