Understanding Herd Immunity from Vaccination – How much is enough?

Thank you for a well-written and clearly presented argument for enforcing vaccinations wherever and whenever possible. There are now so many people relying on the "rest of the herd" to protect them (while they refuse to vaccinate their own children) that there IS no "herd" and there's the outbreak...spreading widely and quickly

Thanks from me, too. The concept of herd immunity is the basis for mandatory vaccinations. So many of the arguments against vaccination seem to ignore the concept in favor of individual autonomy. I haven't yet read any anti-vax acknowledgement that they are using herd immunity to protect their own kids. And taxpayers' healthcare dollars to treat others' preventable infections/complications. They assume, of course, that when herd immunity is broken, it won't be their kids suffering those complications.

Quote from heron They assume, of course, that when herd immunity is broken, it won't be their kids suffering those complications.

SummitRN, thank you so much for the effort you've put into writing this excellent post!I hope it will have an impact on those who are unsure/on the fence regarding immunization vaccines and fingers crossed that it might get through to a few of those who've so far had their minds closed off to facts due to fear or a lack of scientific knowledge/understanding.I find it so difficult that to grasp that so many people seem to shrug their shoulders at the very real threat that diseases like for example measles can actually pose. I think that because they've become so rare or near eradicated (thanks to immunization vaccines!), that many don't remember or realize the devastating havoc they can wreak on a population.If vaccination rates decline the wake-up call will come soon enough

Quote from heron. So many of the arguments against vaccination seem to ignore the concept in favor of individual autonomy. I haven't yet read any anti-vax acknowledgement that they are using herd immunity to protect their own kids.

Ok, now THIS is special:LA TimesApparently there's an idea breaking in California (shocking) that MEASLES PARTIES are a good idea. Yep, just like the Chicken Pox Parties of yesteryear, some idiots believe that if they give their kids an exposure in this fashion, it's a "natural" immunity that is somehow better than getting the vaccination (instead of the actual DISEASE).Again....can't fix stupid.Just wait until the first kid dies from having attended one of these 'parties'. What fun THAT will bring...

This article is timely and sooo needed for many posters; however there are going to be some who staunchly have their belief systems even though hard science is at play here. I fear it will take an epidemic and then having more federal oversight to have these endemics be eradicated.

And then the very same people who are screaming about individual rights trumping the rights of the rest of the population (greater good) might just have to get a Quarantine notice slapped on their doors.With an extreme rare exception, the only people we see who have personally suffered from Polio are elderly; most people DON'T see the disfgurements so therefore believe it isn't possible any longer.....and you can bet your butt it sure is. Our generation did not see Measles, so......guess it's gone!! I haven't seen it personally so it must not exist? It can't be a real threat? Argh. We have the luxury of significant personal freedom in the US, which has unfortunately led to people having the freedom to do themselves (and the rest of us) in.

Quote from RNsRWeAnd then the very same people who are screaming about individual rights trumping the rights of the rest of the population (greater good) might just have to get a Quarantine notice slapped on their doors.With an extreme rare exception, the only people we see who have personally suffered from Polio are elderly; most people DON'T see the disfgurements so therefore believe it isn't possible any longer. Our generation did not see Measles, so......guess it's gone!! I haven't seen it personally so it must not exist? It can't be a real threat? Argh. We have the luxury of significant personal freedom in the US, which has unfortunately led to people having the freedom to do themselves (and the rest of us) in.

What they all said. Great article. As a school nurse it is very much appreciated. The math did do me in, but I got the gist of it.

Regarding the video on herd immunity: Is that Brad Pitt talking with a Swedish accent?

BUMP.