Herd immunity has been a popular topic of discussion in recent months due to the global spread of COVID-19. 

What is herd immunity?

Herd immunity occurs when the majority of a population is immune to a disease or virus.Otherwise known as community immunity1, it helps to slow the spread of infectious diseases in two ways:2

  1. People contract the disease and develop an immune response.

  2. People are vaccinated.

When enough people are vaccinated, everyone—including those who are too young or too sick to be immunized—receives some protection from the spread of diseases. An infectious disease is less likely to spread from person to person because there are fewer germs around to infect others. And if a person does get sick, the likelihood of an outbreak is low because more people are immune. 

When is herd immunity most effective? 

Scientists estimate that in order for herd immunity to be effective, about 70 - 90 percent3 of a population need to be immune to a disease, either by contracting the disease and recovering or getting a protective vaccine. This reaches what the World Health Organization (WHO) calls the herd immunity threshold.4

Although, there are factors to consider. For instance, if a disease is considered highly contagious, a higher percentage of immunity is needed. Measles, an extremely contagious disease that is preventable through vaccination, needs 93-95 percent4 of a population to be immune in order to reach herd immunity threshold and for measles to be eliminated.

Herd immunity works best when there is a vaccine to provide protection. For example, diseases like polio and smallpox5 were once very common in the United States, however due to widespread vaccination, these diseases have become extremely rare. In fact, the United States has been polio-free6 since 1979. The vaccines for these diseases have helped establish herd immunity.

Will herd immunity work for COVID-19?

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19, and herd immunity has not yet been achieved for the novel coronavirus. It is still unclear whether herd immunity will work for COVID-19, partly due to the severity of the disease in some people, with data suggesting7 that COVID-19 carries a death rate that is higher than the flu. It is especially dangerous for more vulnerable individuals like the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

There is still much to be learned about this new virus. Experts are determining whether building up an immune response will prevent reinfection from COVID-19, but more research8 is needed. Scientists around the globe are working tirelessly to develop a vaccine that will offer protection.

In the meantime, medical experts still strongly recommend practicing the necessary safety precautions9 issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which include:

  1. Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds.

  2. Practice safe social distancing by staying at least 6 feet from other people.

  3. Wear a cloth face mask when out in public. 

  4. Stay at home if you feel sick.