Should I still get the vaccine if I already had COVID?

Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that reinfection with COVID-19 is possible, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 infection. If you were treated for COVID-19 symptoms with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Experts do not yet know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. The immunity someone gains from having an infection, called “natural immunity,” varies from person to person. It is rare for someone who has had COVID-19 to get infected again. It also is uncommon for people who do get COVID-19 again to get it within 90 days of when they recovered from their first infection. We won’t know how long immunity produced by vaccination lasts until we have more data on how well the vaccines work.

Both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity are important aspects of COVID-19 that experts are working to learn more about, and CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.

Show All Answers

1. What phases can currently receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
2. Where can I be vaccinated if I am eligible under the current Phases 1A or 1B?
3. Where can I find a list of vaccine providers?
4. What are important things I should know after being vaccinated?
5. Can I get a vaccine anywhere, in any county or state?
6. Are there differences between the vaccines? If so, what are they?
7. Are these vaccines effective against the new “variant virus” now spreading throughout the country?
8. Are there any side effects to the vaccine? How long do they last?
9. How long does it take for the vaccine to be in full effect?
10. Do you have any protection from the first dose?
11. Once I have received the vaccine, do I still need to wear a mask, wash hands and continue social distancing?
12. After receiving the first dose of vaccine, can I go to a different provider for the second dose?
13. How will I know when to take the second dose of the vaccine?
14. What if a second dose is not available within the suggested time frame? Will it affect the efficacy of the vaccine?
15. Will the vaccine cost anything?
16. What allergies should I be concerned about in connection with the COVID-19 vaccine?
17. Should I still get the vaccine if I already had COVID?