What is the term for the proportion of a population that is vaccinated against a disease?

Vaccination coverage is the term used to describe the proportion of a population that has received vaccination against a specific disease. This metric is crucial for public health as it indicates the extent to which a community is protected from an infectious disease through vaccination. High vaccination coverage can lead to herd immunity, which protects those who are unvaccinated or those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

The concept is vital for assessing the effectiveness of vaccination programs and planning for future public health initiatives. It directly affects the potential spread of diseases and outbreaks within a population, allowing health officials to monitor and respond appropriately.