BioMedizone Immunology Research Competition: Geethika Premkumar
- Global STEM Youth Journal
- Feb 20, 2025
- 4 min read
8/20/2024
Geethika Premkumar
BioMedizone’s Immunology Research Competition
Impacts of Reduced Dependency on Vaccines on Herd Immunity: Who Protects the
Immunocompromised?
Introduction
Approximately 1.7 billion people, or 22% of the global population, have underlying
medical conditions that weaken their immune systems, making herd immunity essential for their
survival (Clark et al.). Herd immunity, achieved when a substantial portion of a population is
immune to a disease, reduces transmission and protects those who are not immune (McDermott).
However, declining global vaccination rates threaten this protection, increasing risks for the
immunocompromised.
Recent years have seen a shift from traditional vaccination programs toward precision
medicine and targeted therapies, a trend highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when only
62% of U.S. adults were vaccinated post-peak (Sun et al.). On the other hand, noncommunicable
diseases like cancer require personalized treatments such as immunotherapy, which uses
antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, and cell transfer based on individual factors and has proven
more effective (Krzyszczyk et al.). However, such treatments are often inconveniently expensive
and less accessible to the wider population. Thus, to safeguard public health, epidemiologists
should focus on improving vaccines to reduce side effects and enhance uptake. One way they
could accomplish this would be via artificial intelligence (AI) models to determine minimum
vaccination thresholds could help maintain herd immunity and protect the immunocompromised.
Societal Implications
Declining vaccination rates critically undermine herd immunity, endangering not only the
immunocompromised but also those without access to affordable healthcare. For instance, a
healthy individual may recover from the flu within a week through home care (Herndon), but for
those over 50 or with compromised immunity, the flu poses severe risks such as obtaining
bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, congestive heart failure, and, in extreme cases, it may lead to
death (Gotter). The immunocompromised are particularly susceptible to common illnesses,
placing a collective responsibility on the healthy to protect them. Moreover, reduced vaccination
uptake could lead to the resurgence of deadly diseases, posing significant burdens on global
health systems and disease management costs, thus straining public health resources.
Ethical Considerations
The ethical tension between individual autonomy and collective responsibility is central
to the vaccination debate. While individuals have the right to make their own health decisions,
the broader impact on public health cannot be ignored. Childhood vaccines save 2-3 million lives
annually and have greatly reduced infant mortality, yet the risk of severe side effects and allergic
reactions remains (Nandi). This raises concerns about the ethics of legally mandating
vaccinations. However, states are justified in enforcing vaccine regulations for the greater good,
with exemptions for those with conditions such as immune disorders or cancer (Rosen).
Scientific Challenges
Developing targeted therapies presents numerous scientific challenges, particularly due to
the genetic diversity among individuals. Unlike vaccines, which provide broad immunity,
targeted therapies must account for individual genetic variations, making their development
complex and less standardized (Ginsburg & Willard). Furthermore, the high cost of research,
development, and production of these therapies limits their accessibility, raising concerns about
widening healthcare disparities (Chokshi). Additionally, the selective pressure exerted by these
therapies could drive the evolution of more resistant pathogens, similar to the rise of antibiotic-
resistant bacteria (Davies & Davies).
Future Direction
To address declining vaccination rates and protect the immunocompromised, future
research should focus on incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into vaccination strategies.
Predictive models can help optimize vaccination coverage and resource allocation in high-risk
areas to maintain herd immunity (Jungwirth & Haluza). Increasing investment in global
distribution and advancing innovations like mRNA vaccines can lower costs and improve
accessibility (Brisse et al.). Additionally, targeted public education campaigns are needed to
combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation by utilizing diverse media platforms (Tuckerman
et al.).
Conclusion
The decrease of vaccination rates undermines the critical shield of herd immunity,
endangering the health of those who are most vulnerable. To confront this vital challenge, efforts
must be intensified to improve vaccine accessibility, advance research, and harness the power of
AI for strategic vaccination planning. Restoring and strengthening herd immunity is not merely a
public health necessity; it is a profound ethical obligation. The time to act decisively is now,
ensuring that the immunocompromised receive the protection they rightfully deserve.
Works Cited
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Increased Risk of Severe COVID-19 due to Underlying Health Conditions in 2020: A
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