When enough people are vaccinated, it's harder for disease to spread. Together, we can beat COVID-19 by getting our vaccines.

What is herd immunity?

Herd immunity happens when enough people are protected from a disease because they’ve been vaccinated or had the disease. Herd immunity makes it hard for the disease to spread from person to person, and it protects those who can't be vaccinated, like babies, children younger than 12, and people who are allergic to the vaccine.

Experts don't know how long immunity from COVID-19 lasts after having it, so vaccination is the best way for us to reach herd immunity. While herd immunity isn't new, studies specifically focused on herd immunity and COVID-19 are ongoing and will help provide additional information.

How many people need to be vaccinated?

To have herd immunity and protect more people from COVID-19, a high percentage of people need to be vaccinated. Our ultimate goal is to save lives by ensuring all South Carolinians who wish to be immunized against COVID-19 are vaccinated as quickly as possible. We hope to reach at least the 70 percent mark of fully vaccinated people as soon as possible, both in South Carolina and nationally.