Posts Make False Comparisons Between COVID-19 Immunity From Infections and Vaccines

Vaccination and infection both provide protective immunity to COVID-19, particularly against severe disease. But gaining immunity through infection is far riskier than vaccination. Posts citing a new Lancet study omit that important context and also misleadingly claim the study shows immunity after infection is superior to vaccination immunity. A co-author of the study told us there was “insufficient data to definitively state” immunity from infection is superior.

How effective are the vaccines?

COVID-19 vaccination and infection each provide some temporary protection against future infection and stronger, longer-lasting protection against severe illness.

A recent Lancet study combined data...