We are all ready for things to get back to normal in Texas. Much of this depends upon the population being fully vaccinated; but, how much of the population needs to be vaccinated for normalcy to exist? This may be difficult to answer. It seems some have stated that 80% of the population needs antibodies to the virus in order to achieve “herd immunity.” These antibodies can be obtained through the vaccine or through natural immunity obtained through having contact with the virus. So where is Texas and North Central Texas on these vaccinations?
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there are four populations that have been researched based upon their receiving one of two doses of the vaccine, those being fully vaccinated, and those who are 16+ years old, and those who are 65+ years old. I will now offer the percentages of each of these four populations in various Texas regions.
First, of those who are 16+ years old, 48% of Texans, 54% of Collin County residents, and 47% of Dallas County residents have received at least one vaccine dose. Within the same population, 33% of Texans, 39% of Collin County residents, and 32% of Dallas County residents have been fully vaccinated.
Second, of those who are 65+ years old, 75% of Texans, 80% of Collin County residents, and 75% of Dallas County residents have received at least one vaccine dose. Within the same population, 62% of Texans, 69% of Collin County residents, and 59% of Dallas County residents have been fully vaccinated.
Some experts have indicated that the vaccines offer ten times greater immunity than does natural immunity. So with both methods, herd immunity may be able to occur. One source indicated that about 37% of Dallas County residents have natural immunity to the COVID-19 virus. So, this number can be added to the percentage of those vaccinated to have 69% of those 16+ years old with some kind of immunity. Some have stated that 80% may be the number needed for herd immunity, but this may not take into account variants of the virus. This is all so new. We may not know until we experience herd immunity. Perhaps that will be when things can be more normal. . .
May we rely on our foundational sources for strength; facts, logic, and faith.
Thank you for your interest in my website. Feel free to peruse the site. Feel free to make an appointment; we love helping people in many ways.
