Do I still need a vaccination after I have had Covid-19?

Reader question: I have had Covid (tested positive but no symptoms) in France - do I still get vaccinated?

Short answer: Yes, but only with one dose

In France, anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19 will only be required to have one dose of a vaccine, as opposed to the usual two for the vaccines developed by AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. 

“The fact of having been sick is like having had a first dose of a vaccine, so you will only need a second dose,” doctor and journalist Damien Mascret said in an interview with France 2 on March 2. 

You will need to present proof of your positive Covid-19 test. 

If you are not sure if you have had Covid-19, as in, you had the symptoms but did not get tested, you will still need to get two doses of a vaccine. 

It does not matter how long ago the test was taken. However, it is better to receive the vaccine at least three months after having had Covid-19 for greater efficacy. 

Read more:

France Covid-19 vaccine campaign calendar

How France plans to speed up Covid vaccination rollout