Herd immunity: challenges and the way forward in Korea

• 발행기관: 한국역학회
• 저자명: Jiyoung Oh Sohyun Kim Boyeong Ryu Minjoung Shin Bryan Inho Kim
• 간행물 정보: 『Epidemiology and Health』43, 1~4쪽, 전체 4쪽
• 주제분류: 의약학 > 면역학
• 파일형태: PDF
• 발행일자: 2021.01.01

영문 초록

Vaccination is considered to be the most effective measure for preventing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Many countries, including of Korea, are focusing on achieving herd immunity with the goal of reaching a vaccination rate of 70-80%. However, achieving herd immunity does not mean eradicating COVID-19, and the following challenges can occur in the process of achieving herd immunity. First, as the vaccination rate is likely to slow down over time, it is necessary to promote the benefits of vaccination through risk communication strategies and provide incentives for those who have been vaccinated. Second, a booster dose may be required depending on future studies on vaccine-induced immunity. Third, since variants capa-ble of evading immunity and with higher transmissibility can emerge, rapid contract tracing and regular community genomic surveillance could help mitigate the impact of new variants. When the impact of COVID-19 is controlled to the level of sea-sonal influenza, the current public health measures that have been strictly imposed on society since the beginning of the pan-demic will no longer be needed. The overall response strategy to COVID-19 will need to change accordingly, based on evalua-tions of the level of population immunity. These changes will include more efficient and targeted contact tracing and eased quarantine measures for vaccinated close contacts and travelers. Mask wearing and a minimum of social distancing will still be required in the journey towards the end of the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic will end, but the virus will not disappear.

목차

INTRODUCTION

VACCINATION IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO CONTROL COVID-19

HERD IMMUNITY DOES NOT INDICATE THAT COVID-19 WILL BE ERADICATED

ACHIEVING HERD IMMUNITY: CHALLENGES AND THE WAY FORWARD

CONCLUSION

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

FUNDING

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS

ORCID

REFERENCES

키워드

SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 Herd immunity Transmission