The immune response to the novel coronavirus provided by vaccines is more consistent than that triggered by natural infection with SARS-CoV-2, according to a scientific report issued by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on October 29. The agency analyzed more than 90 studies, published both in scientific journals and preprint repositories, in addition to its own unpublished data. Both forms of immunity last for at least six months, but the protection provided by vaccines tends to be more robust and consistent than that elicited by infection with the novel coronavirus. According to the agency, immunological and epidemiological evidence suggests that vaccines produce an even higher immune response in people who have previously contracted COVID-19, reducing the risk of repeat infections. Given the findings, the CDC reinforced its recommendation that even people who have already had the disease should be vaccinated.
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