POPSUGAR: Should you get the COVID-19 vaccine if you've already had the virus? Experts weigh in
UC expert says the vaccine may trigger a more vigorous immune response
As COVID-19 cases continue to soar, millions of Americans are anxiously awaiting a COVID-19 vaccine that will allow us to return to some level of normalcy. With one vaccine receiving FDA approval for emergency use and others on the horizon, some are wondering whether or not you should get the vaccine if you've already had COVID-19.
Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine. Photo/Colleen Kelley/UC Creative + Brand
POPSUGAR put that question to some infectious disease experts, including Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine.
Fichtenbaum said that based on current knowledge, there's no harm in receiving the vaccine.
"It may stimulate a more vigorous immune response and sometimes that can make people feel bad for a couple of days," Fichtenbaum said. "We don't know if natural immunity after infection protects people, [but] we do know that a couple of vaccines do protect against disease."
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