Question:

I've already had COVID-19. Do I need the vaccine? 

Answered by infectious diseases expert Richard Hankins, MD:

Even if you've already had COVID-19, you should get the COVID-19 vaccine. 

The duration of natural immunity is difficult to pinpoint. However, vaccination plus natural immunity is stronger than natural immunity alone. A recent study found that, after infection, unvaccinated people are 2.34 times likelier to get COVID-19 again, compared to fully vaccinated people. 

More research is needed to determine the duration of immunity from both vaccines and infection. COVID-19 can cause hospitalizations and death, while the COVID-19 vaccines prevent them. Get vaccinated.