Herd immunity: A major advantage or a major challenge to achieve for the covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19 caused by the novel SARS-COV2 has been causing worldwide panic in recent times. Global epidemiological findings have shown numerous new cases being reported daily as well as drastic mortality rates. It is the need of the hour to plan out strategies to cope with this ongoing pandemic. Herd immunity has been used as an effective approach for years during epidemics and can prove to be a major advantage in controlling the spread of the disease. Various models have been studied using mathematical estimates to find out how herd immunity can be achieved as well as to predict risks involved in doing so. The current scenario where there are no efficient vaccines available has also been taken into consideration. It is important to take all these facts into consideration to come to a valid conclusion of whether achieving herd immunity can be beneficial or impractical.