Discuss the concept of herd immunity and its importance in creating and maintaining a healthy population

What will be an ideal response?


Herd immunity results when a large enough percentage of a population has immunity to a pathogen that the pathogen can no longer spread and be maintained in a population. Herd immunity can protect those members of the population who cannot be immunized (newborns, pregnant women, immunosuppressed, and so forth) from infection. Highly successful application of the principle of herd immunity may result in the eradication of a pathogen when that pathogen infects only one species. Smallpox is the first pathogen to be successfully eradicated. Eradication of polio is nearing success.
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Section: Immunization
Learning Outcome: 17.4

Biology & Microbiology

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