Do you still need to be vaccinated if you have already had COVID-19?

It is still recommended to get vaccinated against COVID-19, even if you have been infected before. Here are some reasons why vaccination after a previous infection is important.

While a previous infection provides some immunity, the strength and duration of that immunity can vary. Vaccination after an infection boosts the immune response, leading to more robust and longer-lasting protection. This is sometimes called “hybrid immunity,” and it appears to be particularly effective.

New variants of SARS-CoV-2, such as the Delta and Omicron variants, have been shown to partially escape immunity from a previous infection. Vaccines, especially when fully vaccinated (including any boosters), provide broader protection against these variants.

While reinfections are often milder, they can still lead to severe illness, especially in people with underlying health conditions. Vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even in people who have been infected before.

Vaccination can also help reduce the spread of the virus in the community. This is important to protect vulnerable populations who may not be fully protected even with vaccination.

Source: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00675-9/fulltext

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2023-12-11 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024