How will we know when we reach herd immunity? That is the question people are asking as governments race to vaccinate people around the world to stop the spread of COVID-19. Herd immunity is when a large number of people in a community will either have recovered from infection or been vaccinated. Herd immunity does not mean everyone is protected from the virus. It means that the coronavirus can no longer spread easily, helping to protect those who are at risk. Once people are sick or receive the vaccine, they start to develop antibodies. Experts think the number of people with antibodies needs to reach 70 percent or more for herd immunity.
What are antibodies?
the name of a new coronavirus vaccine
a protein produced by the immune system when it detects harmful substances
another word for herd immunity
a fever
What happens with herd immunity?
the virus gets worse
there is a cure
many more people get sick
the virus can no longer spread easily
When the number of people with antibodies reach 70 percent or more, experts say we have reached herd immunity.
a cure
a worrisome milestone
herd immunity
the starting point