Had COVID-19 recently? It’s still a good idea to get vaccinated

March 8, 2022 -- After back-to-back waves of COVID-19 cases through the fall and winter, many have been infected with the virus recently. If you are one of those people and you haven't been vaccinated yet, it's still a good idea to get your shots.

Although infection provides some level of immunity -- often called "natural immunity" -- it remains unclear how long that protection will last.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the level of immunity received from having COVID-19 can vary depending on how mild or severe the illness was, the time since infection, your age, and any underlying health conditions. There's no way to reliably determine if a person is currently protected from re-infection.

The vaccines create a more predictable immune response than infection, providing a high level of protection against severe illness.

There's evidence that shows getting a vaccine after you recover from COVID-19 boosts your immune system. According to one study, those who don't get vaccinated after their recovery from the virus are two times more likely to get the virus again when compared to those who were fully vaccinated after their recovery.

Many of those who currently have COVID-19, can get vaccinated as soon as they've recovered enough to end their isolation period. There's no need to wait weeks or even months to get your first shot. Anyone who received a monoclonal antibody infusion as part of their treatment for COVID-19, should wait 90 days before being vaccinated.

If you'd like to get the vaccine, Reid Health is giving out FREE primary doses and booster shots at Lingle Grand Hall on the lower level of Reid's main campus in Richmond. Hours there are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

You don't have to schedule an appointment or pre-register. Walk-ins are welcome, and there are no long wait times.

For those who would like to make an appointment, Indiana residents can find vaccination sites and schedule a time by going to ourshot.in.gov. Ohio residents should use gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov. You may also call Reid's vaccine clinic directly at (765) 935-8484.

Today's COVID-19 stats

• Patients in containment areas: 14
• Number of those patients who are unvaccinated: 9 (64.3%)
• COVID-19 patients in the ICU: 2
• Number of those patients who are unvaccinated: 1 (50%)
• COVID-19 patients on ventilators: 0
• Tests submitted since last update: 210
• Lab-confirmed positives since last update: 15 (7.1% positivity rate)
• Suspected COVID-19 admissions in the past 24 hours: 17

Unvaccinated, as defined by the CDC, includes anyone who either has not received a dose or has received only the first of a two-dose vaccine.

Reid Health serves an eight-county area, including Wayne, Randolph, Henry, Union, Fayette, and Franklin counties in Indiana and Darke and Preble counties in Ohio. The statistics above represent patients from throughout the service area.

Key reminders

• You should never delay care. Previous surges have seen patients put off necessary care for emergent issues such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, appendicitis, and even symptoms of cancer. Delaying care can have life-altering consequences.
• COVID-19 vaccines are FREE. They are safe. Make an informed decision by consulting sites such as the CDC and FDA.
• Indiana residents can find vaccination sites and schedule an appointment by going to ourshot.in.gov. Ohio residents should use gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
• Reid's COVID-19 Hotline staff can assist with scheduling a test, receiving test results, and seeking clinical advice. The hotline is open seven days a week by calling (765) 965-4200. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• If you need to be tested for COVID-19, Reid offers drive-thru testing at 1200 Chester Blvd. in Richmond and at 2025 Virginia Ave. in Connersville. Appointments are required at both sites. The Richmond location is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily while the Connersville location runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, call Reid's COVID-19 Hotline.
• Those with risk factors for severe COVID-19 illness might qualify for an infusion of monoclonal antibodies, a treatment designed to help your immune system fight viruses. The infusion works best when given within a few days of the start of symptoms and can be given regardless of whether you've been vaccinated. For more information, call Reid's COVID-19 Hotline.
• Before you come to a Reid Health site to see a loved one or accompany them to an appointment, be sure to check our latest visitor policy and screening procedures.
• Surgical masks are required in all Reid Health facilities. Cloth masks are not acceptable. Reid will provide you with a surgical mask upon entry if needed.

Safe Pathways to Care: Learn more about COVID-19 and vaccinations