By: Celia Sun
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about uncertainty and confusion regarding the most effective approach to controlling the spread of the virus. One controversial idea that garnered attention was “herd immunity,” which was supported by a group of academics and scientists. However, their endorsement of herd immunity without sufficient evidence or consideration of the consequences has resulted in disastrous outcomes. In his book, “We Want Them Infected,” Jonathan Howard sheds light on the misguided efforts of these experts, the implications of their actions, and the urgent need to reassess their credibility.
Proponents of herd immunity argued that allowing the virus to freely spread among low-risk populations would eventually lead to natural immunity and bring an end to the pandemic. However, the concept of achieving herd immunity through natural infection had multiple flaws. This theory disregarded the importance of protective measures like masks, school closures, and vaccinations. Immunity acquired from COVID-19 tends to wane over time, making individuals susceptible to reinfection. Moreover, the emergence of new variants complicates the idea of long-term immunity.
Additionally, advocates of herd immunity underestimated the severity of COVID-19’s impact on individuals of all age groups, neglecting potential health risks and the long-lasting consequences of the disease. Promoting such a flawed strategy had severe repercussions, including ignoring potential health risks and the lasting consequences of COVID-19.
Despite its resources and advanced healthcare system, the United States experienced a catastrophic death toll, surpassing 1.13 million people. The toll on children was particularly devastating, with hundreds losing their lives and thousands losing their parents. In comparison, the U.S. death rate was worse than that of countries that implemented effective measures.
The politicization of the pandemic played a significant role in allowing fringe ideas to infiltrate public health policies. The misguided notion of herd immunity gained traction within the right-wing echo chamber, influencing high-level politicians. Experts like Scott Atlas, associated with prestigious institutions like Stanford University, were appointed as advisors, promoting the flawed concept and downplaying the severity of the pandemic. This politicization compromised the integrity of public health decision-making.
The Great Barrington Declaration, a prominent manifestation of the herd immunity movement, advocated for focused protection and opposed lockdown measures. However, its proposals were unrealistic and lacked practical implementation strategies. Its promoters failed to address the logistical challenges of delivering essential supplies to vulnerable populations, exposing the declaration as nothing more than a complacent libertarian fantasy.
One reprehensible aspect of the herd immunity movement was the suggestion that children could act as shields for the rest of the population, disregarding the fact that they could still suffer severe illness, death, and long-term health issues due to COVID-19. Thousands of children lost their lives, and many more experienced hospitalizations and enduring health issues due to COVID-19.
In a world driven by science, the credibility of those who advocated for an unsuccessful herd immunity theory should have been challenged. However, some of these proponents continue to hold platforms and influence public health policies. Their actions have bred complacency, hindered vaccination efforts, and even fueled the anti-vaccine movement, putting society at risk of the resurgence of preventable diseases, in addition to ignoring potential health risks and long-term consequences.
The experts who championed the flawed approach of herd immunity without considering scientific evidence or the consequences of their actions have failed in their duty to protect public health. Their influence, aided by political agendas and the right-wing echo chamber, has caused immense harm and taken countless lives. It is crucial to reassess the credibility of these experts and hold them accountable for their role in the disastrous COVID plan.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8577882/