Herd Immunity

The ICMR’s third nationwide serological survey has revealed that over 21% of Indians have contracted COVID-19. Conducted from December 17-January 8, the survey indicated that nearly 80% of the population still remains susceptible to the coronavirus. Moreover, it showed more seroprevalence among doctors and paramedics. Also, women surpassed men in seroprevalence rate. Surveying 28,589 people from 70 districts of 21 states, the survey found the… read-more

World Health Organization head Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus has stated that herd immunity approach is “ethically and scientifically problematic.” The approach calls for spreading of the virus to achieve herd immunity. Dr Ghebreyesus said that the approach has never been followed as a strategy in history and it would cause “unnecessary suffering”. “Herd immunity is achieved by protecting people from a virus, not by exposing them to it,” he said.

Atleast 21.5% of the people tested in Chennai has developed immunity against coronavirus, a serological survey conducted by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) suggested. GCC Commissioner informed that, for the survey, over 12,000 samples were collected randomly in July. He also added that the COVID-19 positivity rate has decreased from 30% to 9% in the city. A serological survey provides insight on the extent of the virus' spread.