Biology
Vaccine-Induced Immunity and Herd Immunity Thresholds
Quick fact
For measles, one of the most contagious diseases known, about 95% of the population must be immune to stop its spread. That’s why even a small drop in vaccination rates can cause outbreaks.
Why this is interesting
You’ve probably heard that vaccines protect not just you, but also your community. But how does a vaccinated person actually shield someone who hasn’t been vaccinated? The answer lies in a surprisingly simple mathematical threshold.