The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that herd immunity against COVID-19 will not be achieved in 2021, even with initial vaccine distributions underway. In France, the vaccination drive is gaining momentum, with over 130,000 people having received their first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, and Moderna's vaccine now starting to roll out.
One key strategy to combat a pandemic like COVID-19 is herd immunity, also known as population or community immunity. The aim is to interrupt virus transmission and ultimately extinguish the outbreak. This can be pursued either by allowing natural exposure (as initially considered in Sweden) or, more safely, through widespread vaccination.
For COVID-19, the precise vaccination coverage needed remains uncertain, though estimates suggest around 70% of the population. Rigorous scientific data is still required for confirmation.
Vaccination campaigns are progressing globally. In France, more than 138,000 individuals have received their first Pfizer/BioNTech dose. For context, by January 9, Spain had vaccinated over 270,000, Italy nearly 650,000, and countries like China and the US exceeded one million by late December.
Vaccine distribution remains uneven worldwide, delaying herd immunity. WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan stated on Monday that it is unlikely to be reached in 2021. She emphasized continuing protective measures like physical distancing, hand hygiene, and mask-wearing "at least until the end of this year."
Dr. Swaminathan praised the "incredible progress" by scientists in developing safe, effective vaccines in under a year. However, deployment "takes time," requiring not millions, but billions of doses. She urged patience.
While France has relied on Pfizer/BioNTech so far, Moderna's vaccine began delivery this week to the hardest-hit regions.
The Health Ministry announced: the authorization "paves the way for a first delivery of 5,160 vials, each with ten doses, adding to weekly Pfizer deliveries." By late June, "nearly eight million doses" of Moderna are expected.
