How much do we know about natural immunity to COVID-19?

In passing HB 335, the West Virginia Legislature defended West Virginians’ constitutional rights and recognized that natural immunity confers protection against COVID-19 infection.

Consider the following facts:

1. Natural immunity lasts longer than vaccine-induced immunity. In over 95% of patients with prior COVID-19 infection, natural immunity lasts for up to 14 months while Pfizer and Moderna vaccine effectiveness drops below 50% after 6 months (see above), including against severe disease.  

2. Natural immunity is more robust than vaccine-induced immunity and includes antibodies and memory B and T cells, not just antibodies as induced by vaccines.  

3. Natural immunity has over 50 studies to support its superiority over vaccine-induced immunity. Nonetheless, the CDC continues to recommend vaccination to those with natural immunity.