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What is WHO's position on Covid-19 Herd Immunity?

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The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to achieve 70% COVID-19 vaccination coverage globally by mid-2022 . However, achieving herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, is challenging due to uncertainties, potential societal burdens, and gaps in protection . The concept of herd immunity varies depending on the pathogen; for diseases like measles, it leads to elimination, while for COVID-19, it may result in an endemic equilibrium . Mass vaccination efforts for pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 may only delay new infections rather than prevent them, weakening the obligation for individuals to contribute to herd immunity through vaccination . Waiting for a high number of cases to achieve herd immunity is deemed catastrophic, emphasizing the need for coordinated global action, including effective lockdowns and hotspot identification .

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Open access•Journal Article•DOI Herd immunity, vaccination and moral obligation Matthew Bullen, George S. Heriot, Euzebiusz Jamrozik - Show less +2 more 05 Jun 2023-Journal of Medical Ethics	Not addressed in the paper.
Open access•Journal Article•DOI Percentages of Vaccination Coverage Required to Establish Herd Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Pedro Plans-Rubio 01 May 2022-Vaccines 13 Citations	WHO aims for 70% global Covid-19 vaccination coverage by mid-2022. To establish herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2, ≥90% coverage and 88% vaccine effectiveness against Omicron are recommended.
Open access•Journal Article•DOI COVID-19 herd immunity in the absence of a vaccine: an irresponsible approach. Jade Khalife, Derrick VanGennep - Show less +1 more 03 Feb 2021-Epidemiology and Health 8 Citations	Not addressed in the paper.
Open access•Journal Article•DOI The Concept of Classical Herd Immunity May Not Apply to COVID-19 David M. Morens, Gregory K. Folkers, Anthony S. Fauci - Show less +2 more 21 Mar 2022-The Journal of Infectious Diseases 58 Citations	Not addressed in the paper.

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