By Alec Go
An infectious disease expert stressed the importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccine instead of targeting natural immunity from getting infected with COVID-19.
In the Jan. 25 Laging Handa briefing, Dr. Rontgene Solante said it is more dangerous to get infected with the disease, noting that there is a possibility of developing a severe infection.
“Pangalawa, iyong immunity after ng infection, iyong antibody niyan hindi gaano katagal magiging protective kumpara doon sa mayroon kang bakuna,” he said.
“Pangatlo, hindi din siya magdulot ng proteksiyon against reinfection with another variant, especially kapag iyong antibody mo from that infection also will wane off after second month or third month,” he added.
He said individuals still “need the vaccine” despite a previous infection, adding that “a vaccine will also enhance and increase the immunity and protection.”
Meanwhile, he said the immunity following a breakthrough infection or infection after vaccination should not be considered “super immunity” based on their neutralizing antibodies.
He said there have been data showing that those who have recovered and were administered two doses have higher neutralizing antibodies compared to those vaccinated without infection.
“But it doesn’t mean na super immunity na iyan, because ang pinaghambing lang dito iyong neutralizing antibody,” he said. -rir
Watch the interview with Dr. Solante here:
