HERD IMMUNITY AND COVID-19 VACCINES: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

COVID-19 is a very contagious disease. Vaccines are essential tool to protect from COVID-19 virus Therefore; a vaccine will make a critical addition to immunity system against COVID-19. The World Health Organization estimates that 65 to 70 percent of a given population must be vaccinated to halt the spread of COVID-19 virus. Natural immunity occurs when people become immune to a specific disease after contracting it so immune system makes the antibodies against the germ causing the infection. However, herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population is immune to an infectious disease through vaccination or prior illness that it stops the spreading of disease. Currently, social distancing, wearing mask and frequent hand washing are tools that help to prevent the spreading of COVID-19 virus. Here, we review the available COVID-19 vaccines, herd immunity and vaccination towards the safe immunization of the world’s population against COVID-19 virus.