Final answer:
An individual is protected from measles in a highly immunized community due to the concept of herd immunity, which provides indirect protection to non-vaccinated individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
- An individual living in a town where 98% of the population is immunized against measles is unlikely to contract measles despite not being immunized themselves.
- This situation illustrates the concept of herd immunity. Herd immunity occurs when a significant portion of a population is vaccinated, thus providing protection for those who are not vaccinated by drastically reducing the likelihood of an infectious disease spreading.
- This form of community protection is essential especially for those unable to be vaccinated, such as individuals with compromised immune systems.
- However, maintaining herd immunity depends on high vaccination rates, as an influx of unvaccinated individuals or low vaccination rates in certain areas could lead to renewed outbreaks.