# Immunity after getting COVID should fulfill vaccine requirements **URL:** \ **Category:** The Quarantine Zone\ **Tags:** covid-quarantine\ **Created:** [January 23, 2022, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258 "2022-01-23T03:25:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![agzem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a8b319/32.png) [@agzem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/agzem)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/101 "2022-01-24T16:52:47Z")
To prove previous infection if you require an **antibody lab test** and a **doctor’s certification** it seems to me virtually impossible to fake a covid infection verification. A LabCorp test would have to undergo **multiple authentication steps**. It seems actually harder to fake a covid infection confirmation than vaccination confirmation. ---
**Author:** ![Mikkel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikkel/32/13151_2.png) [@Mikkel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mikkel)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/102 "2022-01-24T17:11:34Z")
For what it is worth, the Danish corona passport is valid five months after the second vaccination OR five months after a positive PCR test. If you are tested positive you get the passport eleven days after. You can get it by having a negative test, less than 48 hours old, too. You need the passport for trains and planes, travel over the border, restaurants, cinemas, theatre and many other things. The booster shot prolong the passport indefinitely (at the moment). ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/103 "2022-01-24T17:20:22Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > I read it as “get vaccinated if you can’t prove you already had covid”. Honestly, i know some… moderate antivaxxers, and There are no moderate antivaxxers. It is an extremist position to refuse a treatment that protects yourself and others against a potentially life-threatening illness in the midst of a global public health emergency, even if they do so with bland aesthetics or nonconfrontational rhetoric. There are plenty of extremists who push horrible agendas with a smiling, nonconfrontational demeanor, but it doesn’t change what they’re doing. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/104 "2022-01-24T17:26:20Z")
> [@agzem](#): > > To prove previous infection… What are you basing this on? Are these the rules you just came up with? As far as I know, there are no rules about proving an infection, since such proof is pretty useless as things stand. In any case, for the sake of argument, let’s posit that it would be absolutely impossible to fake a previous infection. So what? I still think we should require that people be vaccinated. There’s the question of boosters, efficacy of infection for the various old and exciting new strains, and so on. And, for public health reasons, people should be vaccinated _even if they’ve had COVID_. And, as I’ve said multiple times and will not say again, allowing previous infection as a replacement for vaccination will encourage COVID parties. Getting vaccinated is simple, safe, and effective. Just do it already. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/105 "2022-01-24T17:32:34Z")
> [@HMS\_Irruncible](#): > > > [@puzzlegal](#): > > > > I read it as “get vaccinated if you can’t prove you already had covid”. Honestly, i know some… moderate antivaxxers, and > > There are no moderate antivaxxers. It is an extremist position to refuse a treatment that protects yourself and others against a potentially life-threatening illness in the midst of a global public health emergency, even if they do so with bland aesthetics or nonconfrontational rhetoric. > > There are plenty of extremists who push horrible agendas with a smiling, nonconfrontational demeanor, but it doesn’t change what they’re doing. Alright. I know a lot of people who got vaccinated, had an unpleasant reaction, and don’t want to get a booster shot because they don’t want to go through that again, and maybe they have a bunch of friends who had mild cases of covid that were less unpleasant than their own vaccine reactions. And quite a lot of them caught omicron. Not because they were trying to, or went to covid parties, but because they went grocery shopping or sent their kids to school. I call them moderate anti vaxxers. And i don’t think those who have recovered from Omicron need to run out and get another booster. 🤷‍♀️ ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/106 "2022-01-24T17:33:06Z")
1. Inject vaccine into sink. 2. Post lot number. 3. Bye, Opal. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/107 "2022-01-24T17:41:39Z")
> [@susan](#): > > Bye, Opal. I get what you’re doing here, but…please don’t. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/108 "2022-01-24T17:45:29Z")
I’ve seen others use it, but if it’s troublesome, I won’t. For myself, “Hi, Opal” is more painful. ETA: I will use 3. Profit! instead. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/109 "2022-01-24T17:48:01Z")
Thanks. “Profit!” works a lot better in this context anyway. ---
**Author:** ![agzem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a8b319/32.png) [@agzem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/agzem)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/110 "2022-01-24T18:12:37Z")
Why? I’m losing patience with these anti-natural immunity science deniers. If you want to take 3, 4 or 5 vaccine shots then you are free to do that. I have better things to do with my time. The science shows that natural immunity is equal or superior to vaccination. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/111 "2022-01-24T18:16:33Z")
> [@agzem](#): > > Why? I’m not sure what part of my post this “Why?” is directed toward. I thought I was pretty clear. > [@agzem](#): > > I’m losing patience with these anti-natural immunity science deniers. Please cite where I’m denying the effectiveness of natural immunity. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/112 "2022-01-24T18:16:37Z")
But what do you do when _that_ immunity wanes ? ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/113 "2022-01-24T18:17:19Z")
Hopefully, he gets a booster shot. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/114 "2022-01-24T18:18:17Z")
I get what people here are saying about natural infection, and the line between the vaxxed and the unvaxxed is probably already beginning to blur due to Omicron sweeping thru the population. I would hazard eventually COVID will blend into our usual group of diseases to manage at some point. But we are not there yet. When COVID-19 is not filling-up hospitals and ICUs with the unvaccinated, we can discuss if natural infection ≠ / = to vaccination in terms of public safety and health. Until then, vaccination provides consistent protection for the population in keeping people out of the hospital, while natural infection is providing uneven results. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/115 "2022-01-24T18:20:53Z")
> [@agzem](#): > > The science shows that natural immunity is equal or superior to vaccination. Except for the many times you don’t get natural immunity, but sickness or death instead, of course. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/116 "2022-01-24T18:23:43Z")
I got the flu many years ago and now don’t need to get the annual vaccination. Just kidding. I don’t know that I’ve had the flu since I was young, but I do get my annual vaccination. I assume Covid will be in that list. Along with tetanus whenever I need it (I work outside a lot and get scratched too often from rusty wire…luckily haven’t stepped on a nail in many years and hope to never again!) ---
**Author:** ![agzem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a8b319/32.png) [@agzem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/agzem)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/117 "2022-01-24T18:27:13Z")
Actually a peer reviewed study of 265,779 with natural immunity found **ZERO deaths** and only **4** severe cases out of 1,339 reinfections. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/118 "2022-01-24T18:28:53Z")
Please provide a cite for this study. Previous discussions I’ve had with you on the subject of COVID made it clear that you’re not that versed in statistics. However, even if you were right, it wouldn’t change the role of vaccinations. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/119 "2022-01-24T18:29:15Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Except for the many times you don’t get natural immunity, but sickness or death instead, of course. “That which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” - Dr. Nietzsche ---
**Author:** ![Tfletch1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tfletch1/32/5340_2.png) [@Tfletch1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tfletch1)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258/120 "2022-01-24T18:29:18Z")
> [@agzem](#): > > Why? I’m losing patience with these anti-natural immunity science deniers. If you want to take 3, 4 or 5 vaccine shots then you are free to do that. I have better things to do with my time. The science shows that natural immunity is equal or superior to vaccination. I’m a scientist, not a science-denier. You posted something on Delta. Did you know that infection with Delta is not protective against omicron? The best protection is being boosted. Would you like me to explain why natural immunity may end up being weaker against certain variants or why a very mild case provides little immunity at all which wanes much faster? How about an explanation as to why natural immunity is always boosted by even just one vaccination? Outside of the science, the vast majority of posters in this thread are describing the difficulties of trusting anti-vaxxers and the bureaucratic challenges for tracking natural immunity. Which variant will provide protection? How sick were you? What test was used? Who reported it to the state? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immunity-after-getting-covid-should-fulfill-vaccine-requirements/958258.md?page=7)