news.volyx.in

Why doesn’t natural immunity count in the US? (bmj.com)

463 points by peteradio · 1834 days ago · 1568 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses the concept of natural immunity to COVID-19 and why it may not be recognized in the US. The discussion revolves around the effectiveness of natural immunity compared to vaccination. Some commenters argue that natural immunity is not well understood, while others believe it should be considered equivalent to vaccination. The article's content is not available, but the comments suggest a debate about the value of natural immunity.

Main themes

  • Natural Immunity
  • Vaccination Effectiveness
  • Immune System Response
  • Government Policy
  • Public Health
  • COVID-19 Protection

What commenters say

  • Natural immunity should be considered equivalent to vaccination, as it provides protection against COVID-19.
  • The US government is ignoring the effectiveness of natural immunity due to political reasons.
  • Vaccination is a more reliable and standardized way to achieve immunity, compared to natural infection.
  • The immune system's response to natural infection is more complex and variable than the response to vaccination.
  • There is not enough data to determine the long-term effectiveness of natural immunity or vaccination.
  • Some individuals who have had COVID-19 may still be at risk of reinfection, and vaccination is necessary for optimal protection.
  • The focus on vaccination over natural immunity may be driven by a lack of understanding of the immune system's response to COVID-19.
  • Policies that do not recognize natural immunity may lead to perverse incentives, such as intentionally exposing oneself to the virus.