New CDC report gives insight into who is best protected against COVID-19

Which provides better protection against COVID-19, natural immunity or vaccination? It is a question many have and now the CDC is shedding some light on the answer.

The CDC didn’t call much attention to a brief that came out on Friday. The agency reviewed a lot of data focused on infection-produced and vaccine-induced immunity.

The brief includes peer-reviewed studies as well as some never-before-published findings from the CDC.

At a downtown Fort Myers restaurant, there is one thing even the regulars have had their fill of, and that’s anything to do with COVID-19.

Ralph and Edna Grondin are ready for it to be over.

Despite the Grondin’s wishes, COVID-19 will be with us until a high enough threshold of immunity is reached. Stopping the spread by lowering the number of available hosts.

That is achieved through infection or vaccination. The big question is: which is more robust?

This new report from the CDC offers insight into that very question.

It says that both getting infected and getting the vaccine can protect you for at least 6 months, but an aggregate of data concludes that vaccination “typically leads to a more consistent and higher-titer initial antibody response.”

Titers are a measurement used to gauge the concentration of antibodies in the blood.

Edna Grondin says she is happy with her choice to get vaccinated. “Well, I think everybody should for your own protection. From other people and places you go.”

Part of the CDC’s findings relied on the fact that antibody levels varied widely from one person to another after infection. The vaccine ranked more consistently in terms of antibody levels.

The report might not clear up all the questions, but a picture is emerging.

The biggest boost in protection was found in people who got a vaccine after infection, essentially adding to the antibodies in their system.