The White House and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) should acknowledge the immunity gained from prior COVID-19 infection in their messaging, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) said on Dec. 12.
Marshall, a doctor, has called for many Americans to get a COVID-19 vaccine, but also opposes vaccine mandates, such as the ones put forth by President Joe Biden and top officials in his administration. Instead of mandating vaccination, Marshall recommended being honest with people about the vaccines, including how studies indicate people with natural immunity, or the immunity that people have after recovering from COVID-19, gain little benefit from getting a vaccine.
“The CDC needs to acknowledge natural immunity,” Marshall said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “And really, the messaging coming out of the White House has to acknowledge natural immunity and be honest with America.”
Host Chuck Todd challenged the senator, questioning whether he was encouraging people to get the virus that causes COVID-19.
“Would you advise somebody to get the virus rather than get the vaccine?” Todd asked.
“Of course not,” Marshall said. “But if you’ve had the virus, that needs to be acknowledged and then a decision made with the patient and the doctor deciding if they should get the booster or not.
“Maybe check their level of antibodies. Take into account what their health care situation is. A type II diabetic that’s had the virus, I would check their level of antibodies and probably encourage them to get the booster. But a 19-year-old Navy SEAL who has a higher chance of getting pericarditis, a heart inflammation, than going to the hospital from the virus, I probably would have a different answer. So, you cannot have a one-size-fits-all recommendation from the federal government.”
The CDC has estimated that, as of Sept. 21, nearly 30 percent of Americans have antibodies as a result of recovering from a COVID-19 infection. The agency also has estimated that there have been 146.6 million total infections as of September.
Some research also suggests that people with natural immunity get a higher level of protection when they get a single vaccine dose, though some experts have argued that the boost is negligible and have noted that it may come with an added risk of side effects.
The Biden administration hasn’t appeared to touch on natural immunity, and none of the federal vaccine mandates—many of which are being held up by the courts—include opt-outs for people who are naturally immune to COVID-19.
Marshall said senior citizens, one of the groups most at-risk of dying from the disease, should get a vaccine booster and that people with prior infection should consider getting one.
“If you’re a senior citizen and haven’t gotten your booster yet, shame on you,” he said. “Please go do that. If you have underlying health care conditions, if you’re diabetic, if you’re overweight, please go get the booster, because you’re going to get the virus and be exposed to it, I'll guarantee it.
“And if you don’t have that booster, we know the vaccines kind of run out after about five to six months. Natural immunity would help, and even those with natural immunity may want to consider getting the booster as well.”
