COVID-19 immunity: what we know so far about the vaccine, ‘natural’ immune response

The coronavirus has already infected at least 100 million people worldwide, resulting in more than 2 million deaths. Those who recover, however, develop some degree of immunity, protecting them from COVID-19, according to doctors who study COVID-19. Vaccines, including those that protect against the coronavirus, also boost immunity and protect against disease, but in a different and safer way than the disease itself. And as the launch of the coronavirus vaccine across the country continues to gain momentum, issues surrounding COVID-19 immunity naturally began to arise. How protected are you against variants? How long does it last? Should those who recovered from the coronavirus still get the vaccine?

Much remains unknown about COVID-19, including whether the immunity of the disease itself is stronger or weaker than that resulting from either of the two vaccines currently being distributed. What is, however, known is that reinfection with COVID-19, although rare, it is not unheard of. Experts recommend that everyone get the coronavirus vaccine, whether or not they have taken COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that people who have taken COVID-19 can, if they want, skip the vaccine for now, while supplies are limited if they want others advance in line. Eventually, however, the CDC says they should get the vaccine just like everyone else. (There are factors that lead experts to suggest some people may not be good candidates to receive the vaccine, but for reasons other than immunity.)

Here, we’ll take a look at what we know about coronavirus immunity with respect to the disease itself and the vaccines available to protect it. Have in mind, virus mutations can potentially affect some or all of the information presented below. In addition, there is insufficient conclusive evidence at this point to know how each coronavirus vaccine relates to the new variants currently emerging. This story is not intended to serve as medical advice. If you are looking for a place to administer a COVID-19 vaccine, here’s what to know.

What exactly is coronavirus immunity and how do you get it?

The immune system is the body’s defense against germs that can cause disease, including bacteria, fungi, toxins and viruses. It consists of several different organs that produce cells and proteins designed to protect against disease. Throughout life, the immune system detects, remembers and defends itself against invading germs – this resistance is “immunity”. Doctors are particularly interested in antibodies and T cells when it comes to COVID-19, as both have been shown to help protect against infections.

The immunity you accumulate is called acquired immunity and there are basically three ways to get it: being naturally exposed to infections or diseases, receiving antibodies from someone else as a form of treatment or receive a vaccine.

Vaccine vs. ‘natural’ immunity: which lasts longer?

Immunity to some diseases can last a lifetime, like measles and mumps. Other diseases trigger long-lasting but not rigid immunity, such as chickenpox, which can reappear as shingles later in life. And with other illnesses like the flu, immunity is narrow and short-lived, partly because the viruses that cause the flu mutate very quickly.

A January 2021 study detected a level of antibodies against the coronavirus consistent with immunity up to eight months after patients were infected. A similar but separate study in November concluded that protection lasts at least five to seven months after infection.

COVID-19 vaccines have not been around long enough to provide definitive answers, but most experts seem to wait at least a year of immunity after inoculation. This may mean that annual “booster” injections will be required to eliminate the virus completely. The CEO of one of the companies behind the COVID-19 vaccine – Stephane Bancel da Moderna – said the world will have to live with the coronavirus “forever”.

Vaccine vs. ‘natural’ immunity: which is stronger?

Just because you have developed some degree of immunity against a particular disease does not mean that there is a 0% chance that you will contract it if it is exposed. This is what researchers refer to when they say, for example, that the Modern vaccine is 94.5% effective. This means that for every 1,000 people who receive the vaccine, 945 do not contract the disease if they are exposed – but 55 still can. The other vaccine currently authorized in the United States, Pfizer, is 95% effective, which means that 95 out of 100 people who receive it will be protected.

There is a dangerous rumor going around that COVID-19 – the disease itself – is 99% effective in preventing reinfection. While it is unclear how accurate this number really is, one fact remains – COVID-19 killed more than 2% of the people who were infected with it. Vaccines, on the other hand, not only prevent infection, but save lives.

Vaccine vs. ‘natural’ immunity: what is safer?

In addition to the risk of death, doctors identified a whole litany of long-term effects that patients recovering from COVID-19 suffered. These so-called “long-haulers” experienced coughing, sometimes severe fatigue, body aches, joint pain, shortness of breath and a variety of neurological disorders. For some, symptoms persist weeks and even months after the initial infection usually subsides.

So far, there have been no deaths directly linked to any of the coronavirus vaccines currently being distributed worldwide. In addition, despite a small number of recipients experiencing some type of allergic reaction, generally less, general negative responses of any kind are minimal. The most common side effects are pain or swelling at the injection site and fever, chills, tiredness or headache.

Now that vaccines have arrived, some kind of return to normal may be on the horizon, but until then everyone will need continue to wear masks and distance socially. In addition, to speed up the return to the office, your employer can legally require you to get the vaccine. Whatever you do, however, be careful to look at any of the several vaccine-related scams circulating.

The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended for medical or health advice. Always consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.