IDSA Response to CDC’s Recommendation for People Previously Infected with COVID-19 to get Vaccinated

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) strongly supports the CDC’s recommendation that unvaccinated people previously infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 get vaccinated as soon as possible after they have fully recovered.

New data demonstrate a higher, more robust and more consistent level of immunity with vaccination than with COVID-19 infection alone. Vaccination after COVID-19 infection significantly improves protection from reinfection and hospitalization. 

Vaccination offers the best protection against COVID-19, even after infection. People shouldn’t assume catching COVID-19 and recovering generates enough immunity to keep them safe in the long term.  

Everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated needs to get vaccinated, regardless of their previous infection status. The COVID-19 vaccines help maximize protection against reinfection, serious illness, hospitalization, and death.

Daniel P. McQuillen, MD, FIDSA – President, Infectious Diseases Society of America

About IDSA
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) is a community of over 12,000 physicians, scientists, and public health experts who specialize in infectious diseases. Its purpose is to improve the health of individuals, communities, and society by promoting excellence in patient care, education, research, public health, and prevention relating to infectious diseases. Learn more at https://www.idsociety.org/.