COVID will give them longer-term immunity for when the next wave comes. Since the early days of the pandemic we’ve known COVID induces a wide range of immune responses and one infection provides partial protection from future infections.
Unfortunately, immunity wanes over time – people lose half their immunity every 3 months. Further, new variants continue to emerge that are partially resistant to key immune responses – antibodies that neutralise earlier strains – this is especially true of Omicron.
We’re starting to get a more detailed understanding of COVID immunity across variants. Here’s what we know so far … Breakthrough infection happens but vaccines are still a must Since around 95% of Australians over 16 have had at least two COVID vaccines, most people catching COVID now have previously been vaccinated – this is called “breakthrough infection".
The vaccines are effective at substantially reducing severe COVID illness. They are less effective, particularly over time, at preventing infections, including with new variants.