Do you need a booster after Covid-19 infection?

Studies show that immunity from vaccines is more reliable and can last longer than after being cured of Covid-19, according to Newsnation.

Covid-19 immunity is complex, especially for people who have both immunity from infection and vaccines. It is not yet clear how these types work together and whether protection is increased.

Dr. H. Dirk Sostman, Academic Director of Houston Methodist Hospital (USA), said Covid-19 infection can produce antibodies that protect the patient from being re-infected, so natural immunity can act as a 3rd injection for a certain period of time. But, it’s not known how long this may last, so eventually the person will still need a 3rd shot.

In addition, there is some new data that suggests that post-vaccination Covid-19 infection (breakthrough Covid-19 infection) can provide extremely strong immunity, with breakthrough human antibodies able to be effective. 1,000% more effective than people who have been fully vaccinated but not infected.

In addition, a recent study, pending approval, also found that people infected with Covid-19 before receiving 1 dose of the vaccine produced higher levels of antibodies and similar immunity to those who received 2 vaccinations. nose but not infected, and, immunity in people infected with Covid-19 before 1 injection - lasts for at least 1 year.

But there really isn’t enough solid data to know if this could be a substitute for the 3rd shot.

That’s why the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends that eligible people get the 3rd dose, even if they become infected after having 2 injections. However, people who have been infected with Covid-19 should wait until they are well and get the 3rd shot (according to Dr. David Dowdy - Professor of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health - USA).

In addition, the following subjects need to wait awhile and consult their doctor before injecting the 3rd dose (according to the US CDC)

• People who have been treated with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma during Covid-19 treatment should wait 90 days before injecting the 3rd dose.
• People with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) should also wait 90 days and consult their doctor before getting the 3rd shot.

Source: Newsnation, Houstonmethodist, Youth Newspaper