Short Wave It's Okay To Let Go Of Herd Immunity
Jun 2, 2021
Geoff Brumfiel, a science correspondent for NPR, dives into the complexities of herd immunity in this discussion. He reveals why the herd immunity threshold is a moving target and may not be the optimal goal for ending the pandemic. Brumfiel critiques the public fixation on this elusive concept, emphasizing instead the importance of ongoing vaccination efforts. He also explores how computer models illustrate the challenges of reaching herd immunity and the need for adaptive public health strategies.
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Herd Immunity Explained
- Herd immunity is when a virus struggles to spread due to widespread immunity.
- A herd immunity threshold is a mathematical tipping point where the virus can no longer find new hosts.
The Rise and Fall of 'Natural' Herd Immunity
- Early COVID models predicted uncontrollable spread, leading to the dangerous idea of natural herd immunity.
- This idea, favored by some politicians, involved letting the virus spread unchecked, but was rejected due to projected high death tolls.
Herd Immunity's Persistence
- Public focus on herd immunity intensified with widespread models and effective vaccine news.
- The idea of a single threshold offered a seemingly concrete end goal, further solidifying its hold.