If you're looking for a simple yes or no answer, you won't find that here (because it doesn't exist on this topic!). We understand that unique factors play into your decision to get or not get a vaccine, such as religious beliefs and medical conditions, so we'll provide you with all the information you should know before making a decision on getting the Covid vaccine AFTER having the Covid virus.
One of the biggest challenges with this virus is the lack of data. Since the virus is very new (relatively), there isn't enough conclusive information for us to pull from about reactions to vaccines, the amount of antibodies created from having the virus or getting the vaccine, or even immunity time frames. All of these variants are unique on a case-by-case basis. Here are some questions you may want to consider before making your decision:
Was your case mild or moderate/severe? As we know, cases can vary from asymptomic to death. Current data shows that you likely have a stronger immunity to the virus the more severe your case was. If you were on the mild side of the spectrum, there is no clear data about your level of immunity. But if you've had the virus, your risk of infection is low, but not zero.
Do you have any medical conditions that would keep you from getting the vaccine? Right now, the only valid medical exemption for recieving the vaccine is a history of severe allergic reactions, called anaphylaxis. However, the allergy must be to a specific ingredient in the vaccine. If you have other medical conditions, talk to your medical provider about potential risks and benefits of getting the vaccine.
Do you have any medical conditions that would encourage you to get the vaccine? The CDC has recognized the following medical conditions as being at higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19: cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic lung diseases, dementia, Alzheimer's, diabetes (type 1 and 2), down syndrome, heart conditions, HIV, immunocompromised state, mental health conditions, overweight and obesity, pregnacy, sickle cell disease, current or former smoker, solid organ or blood stem transplant, stroke, substance abuse disorders, and tuberculosis.
After considering these questions about your unique health, feel free to read some tips about vaccinations after testing positive.
1. If you had a mild case, medical professionals recommend getting one dose of the vaccine at least one month after your recovery.
2. If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
3. If you have a history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults or children (MIS-A or MIS-C), consider delaying vaccination until you have recovered from being sick and for 90 days after the date of diagnosis of MIS-A or MIS-C.
4. If you are currently sick with Covid-19, you should wait until you have made a full recovery of symptoms and are done with isolation before getting vaccinated.
It's important to remember that there is no current and conclusive data on how long immunity lasts for vaccines OR positive cases. We do know that getting the vaccine or having the virus both make your risk of infection dramatically decrease.
