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Herd Immunity

All articles tagged with #herd immunity

Measles resurges as vaccination gaps threaten child health
health8 days ago

Measles resurges as vaccination gaps threaten child health

London is grappling with a measles outbreak affecting unvaccinated children under 10, reflecting a global rise after six countries lost their measles-free status. Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughs and sneezes, with no specific treatment; vaccination is the key defense. The WHO notes a 95% herd-immunity threshold, but UK two-dose coverage stood around 84% in 2024 (with 2,911 confirmed England cases that year). Vaccines (MMR/MMRV) provide strong protection, and public health guidance emphasizes ventilation, hygiene, and avoiding shared items to curb transmission. High-risk groups include babies and the immunocompromised, and complications can include pneumonia, brain inflammation, or, in pregnancy, miscarriage/stillbirth.

via The Guardian|
#health#herd-immunity#measles
Measles resurges worldwide as herd-immunity gaps widen
health16 days ago

Measles resurges worldwide as herd-immunity gaps widen

Measles is re-emerging globally as vaccination coverage dips and exposure rises: the US logged thousands of cases last year and several countries lost their measles-free status, with the 95% herd-immunity target in sight but not yet achieved. Vaccines remain highly protective, though not 100%, so breakthrough infections can occur (typically milder) during outbreaks or travel-related exposures, highlighting the need for high vaccination coverage to prevent sustained transmission.

via Nature|
#health#herd-immunity#measles
Measles Resurges Across the U.S. as Vaccination Debates Intensify
health28 days ago

Measles Resurges Across the U.S. as Vaccination Debates Intensify

Measles outbreaks are expanding across multiple states, with South Carolina reporting rapid transmission and the CDC counting 2,255 U.S. measles cases in 2025—the worst year in over two decades—accompanied by hospitalizations and several deaths; by 2026, 416 cases have been confirmed in 14 jurisdictions, threatening the U.S. elimination status. The piece explains how lower vaccination coverage feeds spread, presents left and right viewpoints, cites experts warning of a continuing threat, and includes a personal take urging vaccines to protect vulnerable populations while addressing vaccine skepticism.

via Tangle News|
#health#herd-immunity#measles
Measles Outbreak Surges as Vaccine Skepticism Becomes Focal Point
politics1 month ago

Measles Outbreak Surges as Vaccine Skepticism Becomes Focal Point

Measles cases have skyrocketed in South Carolina, with 558 total infections since October and 124 new cases in the past week as the outbreak spreads to three other states; officials say most cases are among unvaccinated individuals and cite waning MMR vaccination rates. The surge comes amid RFK Jr.’s overhaul of the U.S. childhood immunization schedule, which does not cut the MMR vaccine but has intensified vaccine-safety debates and potentially fed declines in vaccination rates. Health authorities are urging parents to vaccinate their children promptly to restore herd immunity as the outbreak worsens.

via The Daily Beast|
#herd-immunity#immunization#measles
New ZIP-code measles risk map uses local vaccination data to gauge outbreak danger
health1 month ago

New ZIP-code measles risk map uses local vaccination data to gauge outbreak danger

A first-of-its-kind measles risk map lets people enter their ZIP code to view estimated local MMR vaccination coverage and corresponding outbreak risk. Using a national sample and statistical modeling, researchers categorize areas from lowest to very high risk and identify hot spots of low vaccination. The tool highlights that outbreaks are highly localized and vaccination rates, including among kindergarteners, have declined since before the pandemic, emphasizing the role of herd immunity in preventing spread and aiding public health decisions.

via ABC7 Los Angeles|
#health#herd-immunity#measles
Kindergarten Vaccination Rates in CT Towns
health1 month ago

Kindergarten Vaccination Rates in CT Towns

Connecticut has the highest kindergarten MMR vaccination rate in the U.S. at 98.2%, surpassing the herd immunity threshold, with overall vaccination rates increasing since 2020. Despite high vaccination coverage, some schools still fall below herd immunity levels, and flu vaccination rates are declining amid rising flu cases. The state eliminated religious exemptions in 2021, allowing only medical exemptions.

via CT Mirror|
#connecticut#health#herd-immunity
Flu Vaccines Significantly Reduce Cases and Protect Communities
health7 months ago

Flu Vaccines Significantly Reduce Cases and Protect Communities

A simulation study from the University of Pittsburgh confirms that higher influenza vaccination rates protect both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, with vaccinated people gaining the most protection. The study emphasizes that increasing vaccination coverage reduces overall flu cases and highlights the importance of vaccination for community health, especially when transmission rates are high. However, in scenarios of rapid spread, herd immunity alone may not suffice to protect unvaccinated individuals, underscoring the need for widespread vaccination.

via ScienceAlert|
#flu-prevention#health#herd-immunity
Why Rational Individuals Sometimes Skip Vaccines Despite Trust in Science
health8 months ago

Why Rational Individuals Sometimes Skip Vaccines Despite Trust in Science

The article explains that vaccine hesitancy among rational individuals can be understood through game theory, which shows that individual decisions to skip vaccines are influenced by the collective behavior and incentives within communities. High vaccination rates create a free rider problem, leading to potential outbreaks when rates decline, especially in pockets of low coverage. Effective communication and community engagement, rather than moral blame, are key to improving vaccination uptake and maintaining herd immunity.

via ScienceAlert|
#game-theory#health#herd-immunity
Key Questions for Drs. Makary and Bhattacharya in Senate Hearing
health1 year ago

Key Questions for Drs. Makary and Bhattacharya in Senate Hearing

The article presents a series of critical questions for Drs. Marty Makary and Jay Bhattacharya, challenging their past statements and positions on COVID-19, herd immunity, and vaccines. It scrutinizes their claims about the pandemic's severity, vaccine safety, and the effectiveness of public health measures, highlighting discrepancies and potential misinformation. The questions aim to hold them accountable for their public statements and affiliations, questioning their credibility and the impact of their views on public health.

via Science Based Medicine|
#covid-19#health#herd-immunity
Measles Outbreak Threatens Michigan as Vaccination Rates Decline
health1 year ago

Measles Outbreak Threatens Michigan as Vaccination Rates Decline

Michigan is at risk of a measles outbreak due to low vaccination rates, with only 66% of toddlers vaccinated. Three recent cases have prompted a scramble to track down potential exposures, and rising school-age vaccination waivers are a concern. The pandemic has led to missed vaccinations and increased hesitancy, making it challenging for public health leaders to promote vaccines. Achieving herd immunity is crucial, and revaccination is recommended for those unsure of their vaccination history.

via Detroit Free Press|
#childhood-immunizations#health#herd-immunity