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Coronaviruses

COVID-19 Vaccine Urged for Those Who Have Had Infection

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the demand for COVID-19 vaccines slows down due to plentiful supply, doctors are emphasizing the importance of vaccination for individuals who have previously contracted the coronavirus. While a previous infection may provide immunity for several months, vaccination offers longer and more effective protection, including against transmissible variants. Experts warn that natural immunity from infection may not be enough to prevent severe illness and death, and the available vaccines offer better protection against various coronavirus strains.

Key Takeaways:

  • Experts recommend that individuals who have had COVID-19 get vaccinated to fine-tune their immune response for maximum protection.
  • Natural immunity from infection can last six months or more, but experts do not know for sure how long it lasts.
  • The risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 outweighs any benefits of natural immunity.
  • Studies show that available COVID-19 vaccines may offer less protection against some variants, such as those first identified in England and South Africa, than against the original pandemic coronavirus.
  • Research indicates that people who have had COVID-19 experience a robust response to even just the first dose of the two-dose vaccines.
  • Individuals who have had COVID-19 and received the vaccine report no significant side effects.
  • Experts predict that vaccination will provide more specific and durable immunity compared to natural immunity.

Statistics:

  • People who have had COVID-19 may experience natural immunity that lasts six months or more (Source: CDC).
  • The risk of reinfection is rare, occurring within 90 days after initial infection (Source: CDC).
  • The available COVID-19 vaccines may offer less protection against some variants, such as those first identified in England and South Africa (Source: CDC).
  • Studies show that antibody neutralizing activity of sera from vaccinated people is generally higher than that observed for convalescent sera from people who have recovered from COVID-19 (Source: CDC).
  • Individuals who have had COVID-19 and received the vaccine report no significant side effects.

Sources:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • UnityPoint Health-Meriter
  • The Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, Wis.)
  • Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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