Herd immunity is a powerful public health concept that helps protect entire communities from infectious diseases. It occurs when a significant portion of the population becomes immune to a disease, either through vaccination or previous infection, making further spread of that disease unlikely. Herd immunity is a key tenet of public health, especially for those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions or age.
How Does Herd Immunity Work?
When a contagious disease spreads, it moves from one person to another. However, if most people in a community are immune, the disease has fewer opportunities to infect new hosts. This disruption slows or even halts the outbreak. The percentage of people needed to achieve herd immunity varies by disease.
Measles requires about 95% of the population to be immune.
Polio needs around 80%-85%.
COVID-19 has varying estimates depending on variants and vaccine effectiveness.
Why Does Herd Immunity Matter?
Herd immunity is vital for several reasons.
Protecting Vulnerable Individuals. Babies, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems rely on herd immunity since they may not be able to receive vaccines.
Preventing Outbreaks. When immunity levels are high, outbreaks are less likely to occur, reducing hospitalizations and deaths.
Reducing Healthcare Strain. Fewer infections mean fewer people needing medical care, allowing healthcare systems to function effectively.
Controlling the Spread of Disease. Even if some individuals choose not to vaccinate, a high level of immunity within a population can prevent diseases from spreading.
Herd Immunity and Vaccination
While natural infection can contribute to immunity, vaccines provide a safer and more controlled way to achieve protection. Vaccination eliminates the risks of severe illness, complications, and death associated with natural infections. Diseases like smallpox and polio have been controlled or eradicated in many parts of the world thanks to herd immunity through vaccination programs. But some of these diseases, namely measles and polio, are starting to reemerge throughout the world due to misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, which are discussed below.
Challenges to Herd Immunity
Achieving and maintaining herd immunity is not always easy. Factors that can hinder its success include:
Vaccine Hesitancy - Misinformation and fear about vaccines reduce immunization rates.
Mutating Viruses - Some viruses, like influenza and COVID-19, mutate frequently, requiring updated vaccines.
Global Travel - High mobility can introduce diseases to areas where herd immunity is not strong.
How You Can Help
Get vaccinated. Staying up to date on those vaccinations that are appropriate to your age, risks, and conditions, protect you and those around you.
Encourage others. Educate friends and family about the importance of vaccines.
Follow public health guidelines. Stay informed about recommendations for disease prevention.
Herd immunity is not just a scientific concept, it’s a community effort that saves lives. By working together and making informed health choices, we can protect ourselves and future generations from preventable diseases.
About RevanRx
Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma and Missouri.
We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.