Sept. 17, 2021
Dear Members of the Baylor College of Medicine Community,
In this week’s video, we take a deep dive into the topic of herd immunity. Everything from where the phrase came from to the underlying concept and what factors influence it. This will explain where we need to be to reach herd immunity. Meanwhile, social distancing and mask-wearing can help while we wait for more people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
In the United States, Tennessee leads the country in recent cases. The Upper Midwest and Northeast have so far avoided the worst impact from the Delta variant but cases continue to rise in Ohio and North and South Dakota.
In Texas, I am pleased to report that our friends in Dimmit County, who have had one of the highest case rates since the pandemic began, are seeing a drop in the numbers. Likely because 98 percent of the county’s residents have had at least one dose of the vaccine. The Carrizo Springs Independent School District unanimously approved a mask mandate for all students, teachers and staff. Most residents are wearing masks in public. This shows the impact of public health measures and vaccination.
Also, be sure to check out the photo by Baylor’s Jason Kirk that won the Nikon Small World microscopy contest. Fascinating image!
Have a happy and healthy Jewish New Year.
Stay safe. Enjoy your weekend.
Paul Klotman, M.D.
President and CEO
Executive Dean
