Resistance to the spread of an infectious disease within a population that is based on pre-existing immunity of a high proportion of individuals as a result of previous infection or vaccination.
‘the level of vaccination needed to achieve herd immunity varies by disease’
‘The result has been outbreaks of measles - children have received ineffective injections leading to a breakdown in herd immunity.’
‘Uncertainty about the level of herd immunity generated by vaccination programmes limits modelling of the potential benefits of booster vaccination.’
‘High immunisation rates may result in herd immunity, which increases protection for all residents, including the weakest patients.’
‘A good herd immunity effect dramatically controlled the disease initially.’
‘Because of the herd immunity that exists because of mass vaccination, the unvaccinated are also protected.’
‘Children whose parents opt not to vaccinate decrease herd immunity, which protects populations from communicable diseases.’
‘They found no evidence that vaccination prevents viral transmission, putting the whole herd immunity myth once again into question.’
‘There, public health officials have now documented mass HPV vaccination and the first glimmers of herd immunity.’
‘Neither one really addressed the question of mandatory vaccination and its effect on mortality and herd immunity.’
‘The vaccination is seen as a way to achieve herd immunity as it stops the spread of the illness from children to others that are vulnerable to flu.’
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