The potential for vaccination-induced herd immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant.

ABSTRACT: We assess the feasibility of reaching the herd immunity threshold against SARS-CoV-2 through vaccination, considering vaccine effectiveness (VE), transmissibility of the virus and the level of pre-existing immunity in populations, as well as their age structure. If highly transmissible variants of concern become dominant in areas with low levels of naturally-acquired immunity and/or in populations with large proportions of < 15 year-olds, control of infection without non-pharmaceutical interventions may only be possible with a VE ≥ 80%, and coverage extended to children.

SUBMITTER: Hodgson D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8138959 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature