I remember asking about herd immunity a few days back. Can it really be reached
I refer you to the many posts on this subject, such as:
How do you define herd immunity?
I think the virus will reach endemic equilibrium* which arguably does not fit the proper definition of herd immunity, but it ends the pandemic
Also on the herd immunity theme, I think it's generally unhelpful to use the term in many contexts, because there is do much confusion over what it means; people often argue at cross purposes and numerous people seem to misunderstand or misrepresent the concept.
In fact there is an assumption by many people that the virus can either be eliminated through harsh lockdowns (this is absurd) or through reaching herd immunity and yet these scenarios are increasingly unlikely.
If we are heading for seasonal endemic equilibrium, rather than elimination, which it seems many experts believe is likely, this makes vaccinations even more important.
This is true but there is growing evidence that , as with other Coronaviruses, it will spread - albeit at greatly reduced levels - even among people who have excellent immunity.
People who have immunity will not die or become seriously ill (except on rare occasions, as is already the case with "common cold" Coronaviruses and Rhinoviruses) however some will have mild illness.
There is myth that immunity is a binary thing; this is far from the case. People talk about "herd immunity" and don't understand what the term means and often end up arguing over symantics or talking at cross purposes.
Based on my own research I agree with the experts who believe the virus will become one of the endemic coronaviruses; indeed I recall some forum members predicting this a year ago and it's looking more and more likely as time goes on....
and I still don’t understand how it protects those who refuse the vaccine?
As discussed before, and freely available if you look it up, if we reach the actual definition of full "herd immunity", people are protected due to the virus being unable to spread. But that doesn't tend to happen with Coronaviruses, which continue to spread, but at reduced levels, and once people have developed immunity, their symptoms will be barely noticeable, if at all.
If you refuse the vaccine, I do not think you will be "protected" in this sense.
Why is this do they suddenly develop immunity?
Immunity is not a binary thing; for full "herd immunity" you need sterilising immunity, which is not going to happen. There are many sources that can tell you how the immune system works.
Is it there is much less virus to catch?
I don't know what you are asking exactly but as the epidemic comes to an end the chances of catching the virus will be reduced. But this is a seasonal Coronavirus that is likely here to stay and prevalence will rise and fall seasonally, so I strongly suspect anyone who does not get vaccinated will end up developing immunity through natural infection. Most of those people will not be particularly unwell, but some will get quite ill. A small number will be hospitalised and even die. But it will only be a small proportion of the population so life will go on for the rest of us, as normal.
I don’t understand it too well.
You keep asking questions but the answers are here; there are also links to video interviews and podcasts. There are many online sources that explain all these things.
I don’t see how unvaccinated or vaccinated will ever be able to hug someone again?
I don't understand what you mean.
