Why is COVID vaccine necessary even after getting COVID 19 infection?
This question is asked all the time.
Many times, we feel that nature provides immunity once we get infected.
Getting infected with COVID-19 does not necessarily provide long-lasting immunity to the virus. While some people who have recovered from COVID-19 may have some level of immunity, the duration of this immunity is not well understood and it can vary from person to person. Additionally, reinfection with the virus is possible, especially if the initial infection was mild or asymptomatic. In infection, B cells and antibodies are involved in the process of infection and their function is very narrow. They work against very narrow range of strains.
Vaccines, on the other hand, are designed to provide long-lasting immunity to the virus by training the immune system to recognize and fight the virus. Vaccines work by introducing a harmless piece of the virus, such as a protein, into the body. This triggers an immune response, which can include the production of antibodies and the activation of immune cells. This immune response is what provides protection against the virus. CD8 T cells [Killer cells] are involved in this process. The work of CD 8 T cells is broad. They work against more than one strain.
Moreover, getting vaccinated can help to slow the spread of the virus by reducing the number of people who are infected and spreading it to others. This is particularly important for vulnerable populations, such as older adults and people with underlying health conditions, who are at a higher risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. Therefore, getting vaccinated is an important step in protecting yourself and others from COVID-19 and in controlling the pandemic.