Do I need a vaccination if I’ve already had COVID-19?

Q: If someone has had COVID-19, why should they get vaccinated? Don’t they already have immunity?

A: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend vaccination against COVID-19 for all people 12 years old and older, including for those who have previously contracted the virus.

According to the CDC, evidence is growing that people receive better protection by being fully vaccinated compared with having had COVID19.

Natural immunity may not be enough protection against new variants, including delta, which is causing more infections and spreading faster than earlier forms of the virus.

Getting vaccinated strengthens your protection and reduces your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from the coronavirus. Be sure and speak with your physician about the benefits of vaccination against COVID-19 provides.

Dr. R. Allen Coffman practices at Highland Pediatrics and is a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.