According to a study published in the Journal of Infectious Disease, naturally acquired SARS-CoV-2 immunity persists for up to 11 months following infection. The study was a prospective, longitudinal analysis of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) donors at multiple time points over an 11-month period in order to determine how circulating antibody levels change over time following natural infection.

228 donors were enrolled from April 2020 to February 2021. At each study visit, subjects either donated plasma or had study samples drawn only. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were identified in 97% of COVID-19 convalescent donors at initial presentation. In follow-up analysis, of the 116 donors presenting for repeat timepoints, 91.4% of donors had detectable IgG levels up to 11 months post-symptom recovery, while 63% had detectable neutralizing titers, however, 25% of donors had neutralizing levels that dropped to an undetectable titer over time.

In conclusion, the study suggests that immunological memory is acquired in most individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 and is sustained in a majority of patients for up to 11 months after recovery. This is great news especially for those who have opted not to be vaccinated because at the end of the day they will likely become infected but will produce their own immunity for future infections. I’m still a firm believer in vaccination however everyone needs to make their individual choices and at least this is good news! Stay well, stay informed, and stay tuned!