Menu Search Account

LegiStorm

Get LegiStorm App Visit Product Demo Website
» Get LegiStorm App
» Get LegiStorm Pro Free Demo

Science & Tech Spotlight: Herd Immunity For COVID-19

  Premium   Download PDF Now (2 pages)
Report Type Reports and Testimonies
Report Date July 7, 2020
Release Date July 7, 2020
Report No. GAO-20-646SP
Summary:

“Herd immunity” can happen once a large part of a population—say 70-90%—develops immunity to a disease. This generally happens by infection (conferring natural immunity) or vaccination. Herd immunity can help slow or stop a disease’s spread, but many people may die before it happens.

It is currently unclear how herd immunity could happen for COVID-19. For example, the data are insufficient to show how much immunity infection confers, or whether it’s enough to prevent re-infection. How long any immunity will last is also unknown. Related viruses confer some immunity after infection, but that immunity doesn’t seem to last longer than a year.

Herd immunity can help slow or stop the spread of a disease

Illustration showing transmission with and without herd immunity

Illustration showing transmission with and without herd immunity

« Return to search Government Accountability Office reports