Hacker News Reader

> Vaccination doesn't work if 1/3 to 1/2 the population doesn't want to get the vaccine because they are afraid of the side effects.

I get that herd immunity won't occur if a significant proportion of population isn't immunized... but it still works on an individual basis.

View on HN

Yes, but herd immunity makes it possible to protect the total population from a disease including the ones that cannot get vaccinated, such as children or those with contraindications.

What's the COVID-induced death rate among children again?

I think it's something like .0000000000000004%

but it still works on an individual basis.

It's less effective if the recipient believes the vaccine is ineffective or dangerous, and can make side effects more likely to occur (nocebo effect).

[[citation needed]] specifically for vaccines.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com