The next vaccine launch for South Carolina will be Phase 1C
(Report: Nick Papantonis)
CONWAY, SC (WPDE) – The concept of “Herd immunity” is once again in the headlines as South Carolina prepares for the transition to the next phase of launching the coronavirus vaccination. Although not all scientists and doctors believe this, it is generally accepted as the point at which a virus cannot spread easily within a population because most people are immune to it.
Herd immunity can only be achieved through natural infection, but this requires a virus that does not mutate or mutates very slowly.
Most of the time, it is achieved by vaccinating a large number of people in a relatively short period of time, combined with people who have natural immunity because they have become infected before.
Since the first smallpox vaccine was invented in 1796, humans in developed countries have managed to obtain collective immunity against many serious diseases. Smallpox itself was eradicated in 1980.
There are still many doubts about immunity against COVID-19, but achieving it has been the goal of health leaders since the early days of the pandemic. Here’s what we know so far:
How many people need to be vaccinated to obtain collective immunity from COVID-19?
The exact level of immunization is still unclear, but health leaders believe it is at least 70% of the population, including adults and children. Since people aged 15 and under still cannot get the vaccine, getting it quickly will require more adults to roll up their sleeves.
As of Wednesday, 21.5% of southern Carolinians had received at least one dose of the vaccine. It is estimated that six out of 10 adults who have not yet been vaccinated will need to make an appointment in the state to have a chance of obtaining collective immunity.
Is herd immunity for COVID-19 possible?
It depends on how quickly the virus mutates after many people are vaccinated. The world is already experimenting with multiple variants, but none so far has proven to make vaccines ineffective. If this occurs, the herd’s immunity will be more difficult to achieve. The rate at which the virus changes and adapts can determine whether a vaccine is good for life or whether routine boosters, such as tetanus or flu shots, would be needed.
It will also depend on how much of the population will hesitate to receive the vaccine. Although hesitation is subsiding and scientists and doctors agree that vaccines are safe and effective, there will always be some people who will refuse to be vaccinated or who may be allergic to any ingredient.
“Measles is one of the most infectious viruses we have ever known, and with that we have achieved collective immunity to the extent that measles is considered to be eliminated in the United States,”Michael Kacka of DHEC said, as a reminder of why it is important for people to participate in the launch.
If I have already taken COVID-19, do I still need to get the vaccine?
Yes. Scientists are not sure how long natural immunity lasts, with some believing it is lifelong and others limiting it to six months. More research will be needed before an answer is decided. However, a vaccine will still provide an extra layer of protection and, in some cases, has been shown to increase a person’s immunity even further after taking COVID.
If we achieve collective immunity, does that mean that communities will be able to come together again?
That is the hope! The CDC has already updated its guidelines to say that vaccinated people can go out with other vaccinated people.
Once we achieve collective immunity, will the pandemic be considered over? If not, when?
No, but it has nothing to do with us. The pandemic does not end until everyone has achieved collective immunity, including the poorest countries where vaccines are not as prevalent. The wealthy developed countries have swallowed most of the supply so far, while some countries have yet to receive a single dose. Officials say it may take years for doses to be delivered large enough for all countries to be able to obtain collective immunity.
Why does it matter? While the virus is still spreading through communities, whether in South Carolina or Sierra Leone, it is more likely to mutate and become resistant to vaccines. Some leaders are beginning to recognize this and are sending remittances to neighboring or allied countries.