As the novel coronavirus spreads through much of the globe, the debate over the effectiveness of "herd immunity" continues to swirl in public health and policy circles. "Herd immunity works best when we have a vaccine as well as a disease which doesn't have serious consequences," Whyte continued. "With no vaccine for coronavirus, it makes herd immunity less effective -- and this disease has serious consequences in some people." Nonetheless, experts also point out that herd immunity has played a pivotal role in the history books for abolishing deadly diseases. "Herd immunity and vaccination has eradicated two highly (infectious) diseases: rinderpest in cattle and smallpox for humans.

Source: Fox News March 23, 2020 16:28 UTC