This webinar on 16 September is part of a series for general practitioners on the COVID-19 response and the vaccine rollout.

Question:

When can we vaccinate the people who already had COVID infection and if they already had one dose before infection?

Response:

Past infection with SARS-CoV-2 is not a contraindication to vaccination. Vaccination can be deferred for up to six months after the acute illness in those who have had PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Evidence suggests that past infection reduces the risk of reinfection for at least 6 months. Individuals who have prolonged symptoms from COVID-19 beyond six months can be vaccinated on a case-by-case basis. People with a past COVID-19 infection should receive a standard 2-dose schedule. Serological testing or other testing to detect current or previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 before vaccination is neither necessary nor recommended before vaccination.