Dobson|DaVanzo

How Much of the Herd Has Some Immunity?

Friday, February 26, 2021 | by Alex Hartzman

Tags: COVID-19, HerdImmunity, pandemic, PHE, Public Health Emergency

COVID-19 cases are currently on the decline in the U.S. and effective vaccines have been developed, approved and are being distributed at record pace – all cause for celebration. However, new variants and societal fatigue are continuing dangers to the health and well-being of Americans as the government and healthcare industry race to vaccinate and protect people from the novel pathogen. As we complete our first full year living in the COVID-19 public health emergency, this blog explores two questions worth asking:

  1. How far are we into this pandemic (in terms of herd immunity); and
  2. What are our policy options to take advantage of this recent decline in cases and steadily increasing availability of vaccines?