Scientists from the Regenstrief Institute have discovered that the COVID vaccine protects better than the innate immunity obtained as a result of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The lower mortality rate in vaccinated individuals was particularly notable for adults aged 60 and over. Research published American Journal of Public Health.
The analysis used data from more than 500,000 Indiana residents aged 12 to 110 who have been vaccinated with mRNA vaccines or have recovered from the coronavirus. All-cause mortality and hospitalization rates were 37% lower for vaccinated people than for people with natural immunity.
All-cause emergency room visits were 24% lower for vaccinated people than for those previously infected.
Although the incidence of coronavirus in vaccinated (6.7%) was higher than in previously infected (2.9%), innate immunity did not provide the same benefit, while the vaccine protected against severe symptoms and death.
The protective effect was observed in all age groups, but was particularly pronounced in people aged 60 years and older.