Dr. Lauren Gardner (Johns Hopkins) writes: “Public Health is a community responsibility. Everyone has to be in on it, because otherwise it doesn't really work.” (John Heasley USA Today 10/3/25)

This brings to mind the condition of herd immunity, a concept that became familiar during the pandemic. When herd immunity is in place, all sorts of dangerous and destructive things can be averted. It makes me think that maybe we could become immune to many other things. 

Maybe we can develop herd immunity against misinformation, poor leadership, disrespect, rude rhetoric, bad gun laws, lack of compromise, weak public education, failing infrastructure, sketchy public services, ineffective medical care  and general saltiness. 

Maybe it’s time we rethink our political, religious and social leanings in terms of what it means to the health of our overall community. After all, “Everyone has to be in on it, because otherwise it doesn’t really work.”  I’m “in on it!” Are you?

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