Fauci: Vaccine Can Help Achieve Herd Immunity
On Tuesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, who heads the National Institute for Infectious Disease, said the country could achieve herd immunity if the majority of Americans agree to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Fauci said he expects the general population to have full access to vaccinations by April, which could create herd immunity by the end of next summer into fall.
Fauci further stated that with mass inoculations, people could begin to return to a sense of normal life, such as in-person classroom learning and jobs which have been difficult or impossible to work due to Covid restrictions and safety concerns.
Dr. Fauci did emphasize that people should not succumb to a false sense of security under the COVID-19 vaccine distribution and should continue to wear masks, social distance and follow proper hand washing hygiene. With efficacy rates in the 90 percentiles, there is still a portion of the population for whom the vaccine will not be effective. Although it will instill a certain level of confidence, it should not be solely relied upon as a defense against contracting and spreading the virus.
Ann Sullivan is a contributing staff writer covering national and world news topics. She brings dedicated experience having written international and domestic news, blogs, and web content for over 20 years. She’s also a published poet and graphic designer with degrees in Business and Graphic Communications and has been a music distributor, music industry sponsorship sales director and band manager.