HEALTH FIRST: Recovered from COVID-19? Chief Clinical Officer Still Recommends a Vaccine

'Our goal is to continue to build that important layer of protection that’s needed in our community'

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – For the past year, we’ve endured the uncertainty of a pandemic together. Our quest for a better tomorrow is finally getting closer as more Americans are being immunized against COVID-19.

A sense of security and safety comes in the form of these vaccines – a lot of them. So far, millions of Americans have received the COVID-19 vaccine. However, just like the virus, many of you have questions surrounding it.

And one in particular, “Should I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I’ve already had a positive COVID-19 test result?” continues to circulate.

The answer is simple – absolutely.

“Just because you’ve recovered from COVID-19 doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get the vaccine when it becomes available to you,” said Dr. Jeffrey Stalnaker, Health First’s Chief Clinical Officer.

“Studies are still being done to see how long immunity lasts after getting the virus, but it might not be enough to protect you after several months. Likewise, as variants of the coronavirus become widespread, studies have shown that immunization through a vaccine is more effective than immunity from the previous infection.”

What we do know is that it’s better to be safe and not risk you or your loved ones being exposed to the virus.

“What we don’t want to happen is for people who’ve had the virus to get a false sense of security and safety,” Dr. Stalnaker said.

“Everyone’s immune system might respond differently to the virus, which is why having the vaccination as a layer of security is crucial.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention echo the same message. Their website strongly encourages “you to be vaccinated, because even if you have already recovered from the virus, it’s possible, although rare, that you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again.”

And we get it – some of us are hesitant when it comes to getting the vaccine. However, the vaccine isn’t just about one individual. It’s about our families, friends and loved ones – all of us who want to feel better protected and safe.

“Our goal is to continue to help build that important layer of protection that’s needed in our community,” Dr. Stalnaker said. “We’re in this together, for each other and for a better tomorrow.”

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