MADISON, Wis. — Recent studies show that immunity from a COVID-19 vaccine is more reliable and durable than the natural immunity people have after they recover from the virus.

UW Health's Chief Quality Officer, Dr. Jeff Pothof told us the most recent data suggests natural immunity is not holding up as well as the vaccines.

Pothof cited a more recent study out of Kentucky that looked at the rate of breakthrough infections in people who had a previous COVID-19 infection and those who were vaccinated. Dr. Pothof said the study found, "those who relied on natural immunity were twice as likely to have a breakthrough infection."

Dr. Pothof emphasized if you've had COVID-19 in the past, the best thing you can do to protect yourself from future infections is to get vaccinated.

When it comes to who produces immunity after they've had the virus, Dr. Pothof told us another study looked at people with mild cases of the virus and their ability to generate antibodies against the disease. Dr. Pothof pointed out, "almost 30% of those people did not produce antibodies. That may mean they're not very well protected against future encounters with the COVID-19 virus." 

Right now, the evidence suggests those people who do produce antibodies after the virus are protected for maybe 90 days. 

Additionally, Pothof believes the FDA review of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters will be an interesting debate because all the vaccines perform differently. 

"When we look at Moderna, it has a little bit better durability and lasts a little bit longer, so that could change the recommendation that comes out as far as who should get a Moderna booster," said Pothof.

For J&J, Dr. Pothof added, "it has good durability, but its immunity was a little bit lower than other vaccines, so we could see a recommendation that's a little more broad for folks who got that single-dose Johnson & Johnson."

And looking at the vaccine for younger children, Pfizer has submitted data for 5 to 11-year-olds. 

Dr. Pothof said, "if the FDA authorizes this vaccine ... there would be a strong recommendation to get those kids vaccinated. These vaccines do have billions of doses given worldwide, very safe, very effective."

He also mentioned parents might be thinking it's not necessary as kids don't get as sick and often don't die from COVID-19. Dr. Pothof explained, "that's true, but kids do get long haul symptoms, do get multi-system inflammatory condition related to COVID and they miss a lot of school, which is also problematic."