Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Immunity, Herd

Herd immunity refers to the phenomenon in which a large proportion of a population is immune to a particular disease, providing indirect protection to those who are not immune. This can occur naturally, through the development of immunity after exposure to a disease, or artificially, through vaccination.

Herd immunity can be important in controlling the spread of infectious diseases and in protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated, such as newborns, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

The concept of herd immunity is based on the idea that if a high enough proportion of a population is immune to a particular disease, it becomes more difficult for the disease to spread, as there are fewer people who are susceptible to infection. This can help to reduce the overall incidence of the disease in the population and can provide indirect protection to those who are not immune.

Herd immunity can be an important public health strategy, but it is not a substitute for individual immunity. It’s important for individuals to be vaccinated to protect themselves and to contribute to the overall immunity of the population. If you have questions about herd immunity, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional.