Both corona vaccinations and COVID-19 infections leave a permanent immunological memory in us that is likely to persist for a long time. This is shown by recent studies on immunological effects of corona vaccinations or data on immunity formation after infections. It is shown that a so-called hybrid immunity, triggered by a basic immunization through the corona vaccination plus a passed COVID-19 infection, causes the best protection and the best immune memory in the affected persons.
However, this should not be interpreted as a call to actively seek SARS-CoV-2 infection in addition to Corona vaccination. Infection is always associated with major risks - in the acute phase and because of Long COVID.
Many people are fully vaccinated and have survived at least one Corona infection during the pandemic. These individuals have formed a so-called hybrid immunity. Nevertheless, it makes sense to get the vaccination even after surviving a Corona infection (link: https://gemeinsamgeimpft.at/#impfen text: with an appropriate time interval - because this is the safest and easiest way to maintain immune protection.
What exactly hybrid immunity is all about is explained by molecular biologist Martin Moder in a GECKO Lab video.
Read more about the current state of research around "immunological memory" in the latest GECKO report.
Sources:
GECKO Executive Report dated Jan. 23, 2023
Immunological memory to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccines - PMC (nih.gov)
Duration of immune protection of SARS-CoV-2 natural infection against reinfection | Journal of Travel Medicine | Oxford Academic (oup.com)
