Why you make a difference.
TALKING ABOUT community immunity can feel tricky these days, but at its core, it’s about something simple: looking out for one another. It’s not just about “herd immunity” as a science-based concept—it’s about creating a compassionate community where we all do our part to keep each other safe, especially those who are most vulnerable.
There’s a great story from anthropologist Margaret Mead. A student once asked her, “What’s the earliest sign of civilization?” The student expected her to mention a tool, a pot, or a wagon. But Mead’s answer was different. She thought for a moment, then said, “A healed femur.”
The femur is the longest bone in the body, and it takes about six weeks to heal when broken. Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, the law of the jungle rules and no mended bones are found. An injured animal left on its own doesn’t survive. But a healed human femur means that someone stayed with the injured person, protected them, and helped them recover. It’s a sign of compassion and community—the foundation of any civilization.
That’s the spirit behind community immunity. In this guide, we’ll break down the science of herd immunity in a way that’s easy to understand and full of optimism. We’ll also share simple, practical ways you can help protect your family and your community.
… that not everyone sees the world through the lens of the “greater good,” so we’ll also share ways to talk about community immunity that might resonate with people who prioritize personal benefits and family protection. At the end of the day, we all want to keep our loved ones safe. We created this toolkit to provide you with simple, effective ways to inspire others to make vaccination choices that protect our community.
© Voices for Vaccines. Excerpts and links may be used by websites and blogs, provided that full and clear credit is given to Voices for Vaccines, with appropriate and specific direction and links to the original content. Parents, providers, advocates, and others may download and duplicate toolkits in print, without alteration, for non-commercial use and with full and proper attribution only.