Final answer:
The principle of immunity emphasizing community-wide vaccination is known as herd immunity, which provides protection to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in the population, especially those who cannot be vaccinated due to health reasons.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principle of immunity that emphasizes the vaccination of the collective community rather than just the individual is known as herd immunity. This form of community protection occurs when a substantial portion of a population is vaccinated and develops immunity to an infectious disease, which in turn provides indirect protection to those who are not vaccinated. For herd immunity to be effective, typically around 90% of the population needs to be immune. Such immunity is crucial for the protection of individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to compromised immune systems or other health conditions. By maintaining high vaccination rates, the spread of infectious diseases is significantly curtailed, benefiting vulnerable individuals who rely on the immunity of the community to avoid illness.
The concept of herd immunity can encounter the free-rider problem, where some choose not to vaccinate while still benefitting from the reduced risk of infection due to the high immunity level within the community. However, it is vitally important for those who can get vaccinated to do so, not only for their own health but also to maintain the protective barrier of herd immunity for the entire population.