But they can still get infected and have what is called a breakthrough case.

If youget a breakthrough infectionwill you need a booster shot down the line?

How Do Vaccines Compare to Natural Immunity?

Woman getting a COVID vaccine.

Nadzeya_Dzivakova / Getty Images

Immunity to COVID-19 can be acquired in two different ways, either through natural infection or vaccination.

This suggests that vaccine-induced immunity may be greater than natural immunity.

It can be difficult to compare the two.

Compared to vaccination, getting COVID-19 is, by far, the more dangerous option.

Does a Breakthrough Case Increase Your Immunity?

Emerging evidence shows that breakthrough infections can significantly enhance the immune response to variants of the virus.

Do You Still Need a Booster After a Breakthrough Infection?

The CDC recommends a booster dose for all eligible individualsincluding persons who get a breakthrough infection.

For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.

2022;7(68):eabn8014.

doi:10.1126/sciimmunol.abn8014

American Medical Association.What doctors wish patients knew about breakthrough COVID infections.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CDC recommends additional boosters for certain individuals.