Role of word-of-mouth for programs of voluntary vaccination: A game-theoretic approach

Abstract: We propose a model describing the synergetic feedback between word-of-mouth (WoM) and epidemic dynamics controlled by voluntary vaccination. We combine a game-theoretic model for the spread of WoM and a compartmental model describing $SIR$ disease dynamics in the presence of a program of voluntary vaccination. We evaluate and compare two scenarios, depending on what WoM disseminates: (1) vaccine advertising, which may occur whether or not an epidemic is ongoing and (2) epidemic status, notably disease prevalence. Understanding the synergy between the two strategies could be particularly important for organizing voluntary vaccination campaigns. We find that, in the initial phase of an epidemic, vaccination uptake is determined more by vaccine advertising than the epidemic status. As the epidemic progresses, epidemic status become increasingly important for vaccination uptake, considerably accelerating vaccination uptake toward a stable vaccination coverage.