What’s the difference between the vaccine and people who’ve had Covid?

[UnrulyJulie]

In terms of immunity?

Surely people who’ve had Covid in the last few months don’t need it? From what I’ve read people with antibodies have extremely low risk of getting it again let alone infecting anyone else if they’re re-exposed to the virus.

Good question. I was wondering the same. From what I have read the immunity from an infection lasts around 6 months. They are not yet sure about immunity from the vaccines but expect it to last longer, maybe 1 year?

I've just had it twice, 9 months apart. Lost antibodies be 4 and 6 months. Am hoping that a vaccine will confer slightly longer lasting immunity but if course we cant know that yet and it may vary person to person anyway.

The vaccines should give longer lasting immunity and stronger, with the added benefit of not being ill first.

I don't think they know enough about immunity and antibodies to make these kinds of claims. Pretty sure my husband has had it twice, once in April (not 100% sure as there was no testing then but he was pretty ill for a week or so) and again not as bad recently.

We have been asked to take part in an NHS trial on antibodies but I just think scientists haven't done enough research yet to understand how the antibodies are working with regards to immunity.

Was it better or worse the second time Porcupine? Did you actually test positive the first time or just similar symptoms?

I think the seriousness of covid will mean we have to focus much more on how immunity and antibodies work

First time was much worse @SandysMam, I've never felt so ill and got long COVID to boot. I was initially diagnosed on symptoms, later confirmed by antibodies (which then disappeared a couple of months later).

Second time was much milder and started very differently.

I hope you recover from the long Covid. It sounds encouraging though that it was milder the second time!

@whatswithtodaytoday why do you say that? I studied med microbiology at uni as was taught that natural infection usually confers longer lasting immunity than a vaccination. Imo as covid is a new pathogen we won't know how long the immunity lasts for most people from the vaccination a few months yet.

🤞🏼 it's longer than 6 months.

[quote onlyreadingneverposting8]@whatswithtodaytoday why do you say that? I studied med microbiology at uni as was taught that natural infection usually confers longer lasting immunity than a vaccination. Imo as covid is a new pathogen we won't know how long the immunity lasts for most people from the vaccination a few months yet. [/quote]
From what I've read on the subject, the initial vaccination is expected to give decent immunity to most people, and the second one is a booster (like children have) to give long-term immunity.

But yes, of course we don't know for sure about this novel virus and its vaccination, as there hasn't been time to study it. It'll be interesting to see the results of studies in a few years.

Did you know the Covid vaccine gives you hundreds to thousands times more immunity than having had the virus?
Virologist @DrChrisSmith tells us some interesting facts as he answers our panel's questions about vaccination

Taken from another thread but I think it answers your question and you can go look at the blokes interviews and stuff. He is very good.

I saw an interview with a consultant pathologist yesterday who was explaining that covid 19 has very similar properties to SARS-Cov1 from 2003. So far anyone who suffered from that coronavirus still has immunity 17 years later. I don’t really see why covid 19 cases would be any different. Yes it’s a novel virus but it’s still a coronavirus. The same pathologist says that studies show that up to 50% of people may already be immune anyway because it has such similar properties to many other cold viruses. Would certainly explain asymptomatic cases. Her name is Dr Clare Craig.

www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2021/jan/07/coronavirus-boris-johnson-latest-updates-covid-donald-trump-live?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
Hancock says we do not know yet whether people will need to have the coronavirus vaccine more than once, as with the flu vaccine. He says he thinks people will probably need to get revaccinated. He says this might have to happen every six months, or it might have to happen every year.

I am pretty sure I have had covid for the second time. First time back in March- no testing available. This time positive test very similar symptoms and severity. (managed at home both times- but really felt unwell)

I will be vaccinated as soon as I am allowed- which will be months away I expect.

Really hoping that the vaccine is more effective. And reinfection means that the government herd immunity strategy was a big pile of horse poo.

I suppose it would still be worth having the vaccine even if you had a positive test, just in case it was a false positive.

Virologist @DrChrisSmith**
I'm a big fan of him!
afaik there is believed to be a positive correlation between the severity of covid infection and the degree of immunity conferred