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seanmcdirmid says >"Immunity from exposure and s highly variable, it could be 3 months, it could be 3 weeks. Immunity from vaccine is more deterministic, but st

seanmcdirmid says >"Immunity from exposure and s highly variable, it could be 3 months, it could be 3 weeks. Immunity from vaccine is more deterministic, but still limited. We will probably need at a yearly booster." We are likely now constantly being exposed to the virus. Although we are "immune" (thanks to boosters, immunizations, getting ill, natural immunity or blood transfusion), any subsequent exposure to covid will garner a response from our immune system. So we'll effectively be "re-inoculated" against whatever variant we are exposed to. So long-term the need for a booster may wane, the exception being for highly-infectious variants that pose a threat to an already-immunized and exposed population.

seanmcdirmid 5y ago
> So we'll effectively be "re-inoculated" against whatever variant we are exposed to. You'll be re-inoculated if you have an immune reaction, which has a chance of getting sick...and it isn't a given that you'll live to take advantage of the inoculation. > So long-term the need for a booster may wane, the exception being for highly-infectious variants that pose a threat to an already-immunized and exposed population. It is just like the flu, but a bit worse. Yes, you might be able to survive getting it every year until you get old or develop co-morbidities. But getting a yearly booster is probably a smarter choice (for the flu and COVID).