Do I still need the COVID-19 vaccine if I’ve already recovered from the virus?

NEWS 1130 is working hard to get you the information you need about the COVID-19 pandemic.

When you have questions, NEWS 1130 Gets Answers.

Question:

Justin is wondering if someone who has already recovered from COVID-19 even still needs to get vaccinated against it.

Loida has a supplementary question: when can I get the vaccine after testing positive for COVID-19?

Answer:

The guidance from the BC Centre for Disease Control is the same as most other health authorities worldwide: even if you’ve had COVID-19, you should still be immunized with a COVID-19 vaccine.

While those who recover from the virus that causes COVID-19 will develop some natural immunity, it tends to impact people differently, and the same is likely true of their immune response.

According to the US CDC, while reinfection with the virus is uncommon in the months after initial infection, that risk may increase with time. With vaccines, a certain level of immunity is guaranteed.

A growing body of research also suggests a COVID-19 vaccine dose may turbocharge the antibodies of those who have already had the virus.


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As for when a test-positive patient should get vaccinated, the typical guidance of “as soon as you’re eligible” carries one major caveat: make sure you’re fully recovered, and no longer infectious before getting in line.

Typically, that means at least 10 days after you first noticed symptoms, though you may be advised to isolate for longer.

In the case of vaccine shortages, the federal government has said those with natural immunity may be told to delay their vaccination appointment to make room for those who are more susceptible to infection. Though with millions of doses arriving in Canada each week, that possibility may be unlikely.

Find a full list of previously answered questions and submit your own on our Gets Answers page.

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