Back to McKinsey Chart of the Day

COVID-19 herd immunity for America in 2021? Sure, if we can triple the pace of annual flu vaccinations

To acquire COVID-19 herd immunity, the United States needs more than three times as many vaccine doses as for the annual flu shot and twice as many doses per month as the H1N1 flu vaccine drive in 2009, mainly due to double-dose requirements for some COVID-19 vaccines.

To reach COVID-19 herd immunity, the United States will have to administer 2.4 to 3.4 times as many vaccine doses as it does during annual flu vaccinations.
We strive to provide individuals with disabilities equal access to our website. If you would like information about this content we will be happy to work with you. Please email us at: McKinsey_Website_Accessibility@mckinsey.com

To read the article, see “The risks and challenges of the global COVID-19-vaccine rollout,” January 26, 2021.