As time continues to move forward since the COVID-19 pandemic began, stories about people getting COVID-19 for a second or even third time continue to come to light.
Some of these individuals were even vaccinated, which has caused some to doubt the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.
Your body produces antibodies after you get COVID-19. Antibodies are the primary defense against future infection. However, COVID-19 variants complicate the situation.
While it may be natural to question the vaccines or COVID-19 in general, many scientists and doctors predicted individuals would have COVID-19 several times.
“Many infectious diseases evolve over time. Virus evolution can lead to new strains that spread more easily or escape the immune system,” said Dr. Edward Belongia, epidemiologist and COVID-19 researcher with Marshfield Clinic Research Institute. “COVID-19 is the latest example of such infectious diseases.”
Protection after COVID-19 infection
A COVID-19 infection triggers an immune response that reduces the risk of getting COVID-19 again for several months.
Your body produces antibodies after you get COVID-19. Antibodies are the primary defense against future infection. Antibodies decline over time, but immune system cells (T cells) provide long lasting protection against more severe COVID-19 illness.
“The strength and duration of natural immunity may vary greatly in different people,” Dr. Belongia said. “Antibody levels are generally lower after a mild case of COVID-19. Age and health status also affect the level of natural immunity and risk of reinfection.”
COVID-19 variants further complicate the situation. For example, natural immunity against the Omicron variant is reduced in people who were infected with earlier variants such as Delta.
Protection after COVID-19 vaccination
Research has shown that protection against COVID-19 infection declines over time after vaccination.
Even so, research has shown vaccines maintain a high level of protection against severe COVID-19 over time.
There are also benefits to vaccination if someone previously had COVID-19. Vaccination after infection will boost antibody levels and reduce the risk of reinfection. This is because your COVID-19 antibody levels get a large boost after vaccination.
For more information about COVID-19 reinfections, talk with your doctor.
For questions about COVID-19, talk to a Marshfield Clinic Health System provider.
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I currently have COVID for the 4th time. 3rd time in 7 months. I am fully vaccinated and boosted (initially had J&J then boosted with Moderna then boostered again with Moderna bivalent) this is my 3rd time since bivalent booster. I live a very low risk lifestyle. I am extremely frustrated that I keep getting it despite doing the right things. I am also very worried that the only time my husband got it too he nearly died (spent nearly a month in hospital and a week in ICU). I do have Sjogrens so I don't know if that is contributing
I've had covid 5 times since March 2021. My last 3 infections were each 2 months apart.
I am on my 3 bout with Covid. I am the only one in my family that is getting it. I am fully vaccinated as well. I can tell when I have Covid as I feel run down and foggy. It is the same symptom every single time. My thought is I am the only one testing for it. If I did not test I would not know I have it lol.
I’ve had Covid 5 times: twice in 2020 (obviously no vaccine, severely sick both times), Dec 2021, Oct 2022 and just recently Feb 2023. I’m fully vaxxed and have had all boosters. I have a number of long Covid symptoms. At this point, I feel that more reinfections are inevitable. Is there anything (aside from staying home permanently) that can help people like me?
Hi Kelly, Besides staying current with your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, the best recommendations are everything you've heard before. Wash your hands, cover your cough, physically distance from people who are sick, etc. Depending on your risk tolerance, wearing a mask in public and social distancing could also help. -Thanks, Jordan
I am now on my 7th time of covid I've had 2 Pfizer jabs 1 merderna and 1 astracenca jab why do I keep getting covid also each time it makes my back hurt extremely and this last after to
Hi Laura, Many infectious diseases evolve over time. Virus evolution can lead to new strains that spread more easily or escape the immune system. Many scientists and doctors predicted individuals would have COVID-19 several times. Research has shown that protection against COVID-19 infection declines over time after vaccination. This is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend boosters after completing the initial COVID-19 vaccine series. Even so, research has shown vaccines maintain a high level of protection against severe COVID-19 over time. -Thanks, Jordan
I’ve had 4 variants of Covid , spaced out around 6 months over the past two years. I’m glad knowing I’m not alone, but I wish people could figure out why some of kept catching it! I’ve had the two shots, a booster, and was supposed to get the Omicron booster the day I tested positive. The after Covid fatigue lingered the last time with memory problems as well. Every time I wasn’t much more sick than I am with sinus issues, but it’s tiring. I’m an elementary teacher and am looking for a virtual job in any field to avoid catching Covid so much.
This is my 4th time getting Covid. Do the vaccines really work? I cannot believe this is happening. We need something else to protect us.
Hi Margaret, I talked with Dr. Belongia and this was his response, "People who have only received 2-3 doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine have reduced protection against COVID-19 infection due to waning of the immune response and emergence of new variants. Fortunately, the boosters continue to provide substantial protection against hospitalization and serious illness. All adults and children who are at least 5 years old should receive the updated booster containing 2 different virus strains. This booster triggers a strong immune response and is expected to provide broader (and hopefully longer lasting) protection against new variants." -Thank you, Jordan
The third time catching COVID 19 and it was the worst the third time around and I had a negative read the last two times.
Currently have covid for the 3rd time in less than one year. I am fully vaccinated and received my booster in January of this year. This 3rd round of covid is the worst so far for me.
This is my 4th time and I have had 3 vaccines, 2 Oxford and a primary 3rd one! Will not be having any more,
Hi.
My son is 30 and he is fourth time having COVID. He had his 2 shots & booster. But he does work in a prison. It might depend on where you work. Or start wearing a kn95 mask. And a good food based multivitamin. You can go on to the vitamin shoppe I use what's called vitamin code.and they have a good vitamin D which is also vitamin code. I have not had any shots and have been well I do not go anywhere without my kn95. Take care.
This is my 4th time getting Covid and I got vaccinated 1rst and 2nd dose