Community immunity

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Community Immunity

Community immunity, also known as herd immunity (pronunciation: /kəˈmjuːnɪti ɪˈmjuːnɪti/), is a form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a large percentage of a population has become immune to an infection, whether through previous infections or vaccination, thereby providing a measure of protection for individuals who are not immune.

Etymology

The term "community immunity" is derived from the concept of a community working together to prevent the spread of disease. It is often used interchangeably with the term "herd immunity," which originates from the field of veterinary medicine and was initially used to describe the protection offered to a herd of animals by vaccinating a certain percentage.

Related Terms

  • Epidemiology: The study and analysis of the distribution, patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.
  • Vaccination: The administration of a vaccine to help the immune system develop protection from a disease.
  • Infectious disease: Diseases caused by biological agents, which can be transmitted to others, rather than by genetic, physical or chemical agents.
  • Immunity: The capability of the body to resist harmful microorganisms or viruses from entering it.
  • Pathogen: A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.

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