community immunity

Community immunity, also known as herd immunity, occurs when a large portion of a population becomes immune to a disease, making its spread unlikely. This protects individuals who cannot be vaccinated, such as those with certain health conditions or allergies. When enough people are immune—through vaccination or prior infection—the disease struggles to spread, reducing overall transmission. Achieving community immunity helps protect everyone, especially vulnerable groups, and is essential in controlling contagious illnesses. It relies on widespread participation in vaccination efforts to effectively prevent outbreaks and safeguard public health.