January 1, CDC estimates more than 80% of Americans protected from COVID-19

Roughly 83% of Americans aged 16 and up have some degree of immunity to COVID-19 from vaccination or prior infection, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Researchers found that about 20% of the U.S. population has immunity from prior infection, though the figure varies by age and other demographics. The remaining 60% received a vaccine, which confers similar immunity. The CDC based this information on antibody levels in approximately 1.4 million blood samples.

Experts previously said the goal for herd immunity was 70-80%, but many now say that more vaccinations are needed to protect against variants.

Source:

CDC study estimates over 80% of Americans are now protected from COVID-19