COVID-19 vaccines are effective, and provide protection against COVID-19 infection. Individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection should still be vaccinated if they are in the eligible population. These individuals should be vaccinated regardless if their SARS-CoV-2 infection was symptomatic, asymptomatic or resulted in prolonged post COVID-19 symptoms.
Testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection before COVID-19 vaccination is not recommended. Studies conducted on the COVID-19 vaccines indicate these vaccines can safely be given to individuals with a history of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, if an individual is known to have had SARS-CoV-2 infection, the recommended minimum interval between the SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination is 30 days.
The minimum interval between SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination applies to individuals who experience SARS-CoV-2 infection before the first dose of COVID-19 vaccination, or after the first dose and before the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.