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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

headshot of Bill Bangert By Bill Bangert 513-558-4519
2 minute read December 15, 2020

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.

Dr. Fichtenbaum and Jassiel HIV study in lab.

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." 

Read the full story here. 

Lead photo/Getty Images

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