This document is a problem-solving exercise focused on evaluating two mRNA vaccines for the Delta variant of COVID-19. The evaluation centres on comparing the vaccines based on two key criteria: efficacy, as measured by Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titres, and cost per dose, with a budget constr...
Problem-Solving Exercise: Evaluating Two mRNA Vaccines for the Delta
Variant of COVID-19
This evaluation focuses on the efficacy of two mRNA vaccines for the Delta
variant of COVID-19, measured by Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titres,
and their cost per dose. The goal is to recommend which vaccine should
proceed to further trials within a budget constraint of £5 per dose.
IgG titres are commonly used to measure vaccine efficacy, with higher levels
often associated with stronger viral protection. However, antibody levels
alone do not provide a complete picture of the immune response. The data
presented lacks critical factors such as T-cell activity and the duration of
immunity, limiting the comprehensiveness of the assessment. While IgG
titres offer valuable insights into vaccine performance, these additional
factors would be essential for a more thorough evaluation.
The £5 per dose budget presents a challenge, particularly for mRNA
vaccines. To meet this constraint, strategies such as bulk purchasing or
government subsidies may be necessary. In vaccine development, balancing
cost and efficacy is crucial, especially for large-scale deployment in resource-
limited settings. If a vaccine exceeds this threshold, exploring ways to
reduce costs becomes essential.
In real-world scenarios, it is often necessary to balance efficacy and cost.
One vaccine may be more effective but more expensive, while another may
offer moderate efficacy at a lower price. It is important to determine whether
the difference in efficacy justifies the additional cost. If the efficacy gap is
small, the lower-cost option should be prioritized. However, a significantly
more effective vaccine, even if slightly over budget, may warrant further
consideration, particularly if cost-reduction measures can be implemented.
While IgG titres are useful indicators, they do not capture the full efficacy of
a vaccine. Additionally, the £5 budget may limit the choice of the most
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