While there have been doubts about whether herd immunity is possible, medical experts who spoke to CNBC say it can be achieved. However, they point to a tough road ahead as sustaining a high level of immunity will be a challenge. I think that every part of the world will reach herd immunity sooner or later, said Benjamin Cowling, head of the division of epidemiology and biostatistics at the School of Public Health in the University of Hong Kong. Different communities may get there by vaccinations, infections or a combination of both, he added.
Not everyone agrees.
An article last month in scientific journal Nature outlined five reasons why reaching herd immunity may not be possible. The report said barriers to herd immunity include: new variants, waning immunity and questions over whether vaccines actually prevent transmission.
While there have been doubts about whether herd immunity is possible, medical experts who spoke to CNBC say it can be achieved. However, they point to a tough road ahead as sustaining a high level of immunity will be a challenge. I think that every part of the world will reach herd immunity sooner or later, said Benjamin Cowling, head of the division of epidemiology and biostatistics at the School of Public Health in the University of Hong Kong. Different communities may get there by vaccinations, infections or a combination of both, he added.
Not everyone agrees.
An article last month in scientific journal Nature outlined five reasons why reaching herd immunity may not be possible. The report said barriers to herd immunity include: new variants, waning immunity and questions over whether vaccines actually prevent transmission.
Myth or reality? Health experts weigh in on whether herd immunity is possible
CNBC 2 hrs ago Abigail Ng
Some health experts say herd immunity is achievable, though difficult but others are warning that it may not be possible when it comes to Covid-19.
An article in Nature last month outlined five reasons why Covid herd immunity could be impossible, including more new variants, waning immunity and questions over whether vaccines prevent transmission.
Three experts told CNBC that the world can reach herd immunity, but there will be difficulties. Benjamin Cowling of the University of Hong Kong said there s no guarantee that the level of immunity would stay high in the long term.
While there have been doubts about whether herd immunity is possible, medical experts who spoke to CNBC say it can be achieved. However, they point to a tough road ahead as sustaining a high level of immunity will be a challenge. I think that every part of the world will reach herd immunity sooner or later, said Benjamin Cowling, head of the division of epidemiology and biostatistics at the School of Public Health in the University of Hong Kong. Different communities may get there by vaccinations, infections or a combination of both, he added.
Not everyone agrees.
An article last month in scientific journal Nature outlined five reasons why reaching herd immunity may not be possible. The report said barriers to herd immunity include: new variants, waning immunity and questions over whether vaccines actually prevent transmission.
Federal panel recommends continued âpauseâ on J&J vaccine until rare blood clots better understood Doctors hope to resolve safety issues in week to 10 days
By Jonathan Saltzman Globe Staff,Updated April 14, 2021, 1 hour ago
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A health care worker prepared a dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine early this month.Mark Kauzlarich/Bloomberg
Beset with unanswered questions, a federal advisory committee agreed Wednesday that use of Johnson & Johnsonâs COVID-19 vaccine should not resume in the United States until they get more information about a possible link between the shot and rare but severe blood clots in women under 50.