Thursday 14 April 2022 4:13pm
Why you still need vaccinations
Being infected with COVID-19 does not provide the same level of protection as vaccination.
Although your antibodies will be high after an infection – it’s unknown how long this natural immunity will keep you protected from another COVID-19 infection.
Getting your COVID-19 vaccinations is your best defence against COVID-19 and can help protect you against future variants of COVID-19.
Why 3 months?
After you’ve had a COVID-19 infection, your antibody levels will be high as your immune system has a big response.
Your immune system is maxed out, so if you get a vaccination soon after you’ve been infected, you might not get the best possible protection.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine sooner than 3 months might reduce your immune response to the vaccine.
A gap of 3 months gives your body time to wind back down and get the most benefit from a vaccination.
However, if you are at high risk of severe disease if you do catch COVID-19 again, it’s recommended that you talk to your GP or other specialist for advice on timing of your next dose. It might be appropriate for you to receive your COVID-19 vaccine sooner than 3 months.
Vaccine Exemption process
If you are a required to go on a professional course placement that requires manadory full Covid vaccination and you have had covid in the last 3 months you will need to apply for an exemption. Please see this attached link for information on how to do this . Please note that the application takes up to 5 days to process from the time the Ministry of health receives the application.
