Natural Immunity and COVID-19

Hello POP Providers!

Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, there is much we've learned about this novel coronavirus and much that is still misunderstood.  One such area is immunity, your body's ability to protect itself against infection.

Some people wrongly believe that COVID-19 is just like chickenpox, once you've been infected you have natural immunity, and you can't get it again.  The truth is, while some people may develop antibodies after COVID-19 infection, others may not.  In fact, a study from the CDC published in September 2021, showed that approximately 1/3 of COVID-19 cases had no natural immunity after infection.  Another study released in 2021 showed that among those who have previously had COVID-19, unvaccinated people were more than twice as likely to be reinfected as fully vaccinated people.

For the lucky ones that develop some immunity after infection, there is no way to tell how strong that protection is, how long it will last, or even which variant the immunity is for.  The bottom line, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that natural immunity from COVID-19 cannot be accurately estimated.

                                                            

Because we cannot rely on natural immunity to prevent reinfection or severe illness, being up to date on vaccination remains the best protection and provides months of immunity against COVID-19.

We hope that as trusted members of our health care community, you will encourage everyone to stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, if they are eligible.

For more information on immunity and COVID-19, please review these helpful resources.

Natural vs. Vaccine Immunity - Video with Dr. Joshua Liao

COVID-19 Natural Immunity: What You Need to Know

Antibody Testing for COVID-19

Thank you!

Power of Providers Team
Prevention and Community Health Division
Washington State Department of Health
powerofprovider@doh.wa.gov
360-236-3873 | www.doh.wa.gov/pop