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Where Are We on Herd Immunity?
Herd immunity — when enough of the population has been infected and develops resistance, thus, preventing further outbreaks of disease — is the goal in fighting COVID-19. Although, at this point, infection rates are not nearly high enough to achieve herd immunity. Experts suggest that once approximately 60% of the population is infected and develops antibodies, the novel coronavirus will no longer spread so rapidly. Currently, New York City, which is a COVID-19 hotspot, is at about 20%. However, some scientists have questioned the validity of studies providing data on infection and antibody rates. On a positive note, the United States government continues to support vaccine development, which would greatly increase herd immunity.
