When then-unvaccinated Colorado governor Jared Polis became ill with the coronavirus in December 2020, much of the media and public focused on the governor as his unvaccinated husband was briefly hospitalized after experiencing worsening symptoms. Sympathy, well-wishes, and even praise rained down on the governor and his family.
Polis spent much of 2020 using mask mandate compliance as a major driver of his political leadership. Information about mitigation measures and treatment protocols were buried under media press conferences announcing mask mandates. Rather than calmly encouraging people to talk with their doctors about the virus, the governor spent more time unnecessarily playing politics and calling people names.
Fast forward to December 2021: In an interview discussing “the unvaccinated” and (yet again) rising hospitalization rates, the governor declared, “Everybody had more than enough opportunity to get vaccinated. At this point, if you haven’t been vaccinated, it’s really your own darn fault” if you’re hospitalized.
Natural Immunity
In May of 2021 I was unvaccinated and became sick with the coronavirus. The primary symptom of infection I had was a slightly runny nose, and in fact, I mistakenly thought I had a bout with allergies, a normal experience each spring.
Science shows people acquire natural immunity after recovering from infections. The governor and his husband probably also developed natural immunity following their illness.
In September, I signed up and participated in a John Hopkins University research project studying natural immunity and antibodies. I was sent instructions to make an appointment at a downtown Colorado Springs medical lab. My blood was drawn and a short time after, I received an email stating I had tested positive for antibodies. In short, I tested positive for natural immunity acquired post-infection. This means I have much immunity to the virus.
There are more than 140 studies showing evidence of the robust effectiveness of acquired natural immunity after recovering from an infection. Recently, a study was published revealing that natural immunity after infection is more potent than vaccines. The positive antibodies test I took means I already have been infected and my immune system defeated the virus. I am healthy and routinely visit my doctor and talked to her about the vaccines; I made my decision to postpone my vaccination for a couple years.
Targeting the “Unvaccinated”
In August 2021, the governor tweeted, “This remains a pandemic of the unvaccinated,” and encouraged people to get vaccinated. At that time, “unvaccinated” simply meant anyone who had not been vaccinated. Then it was people who received a vaccine shot but needed a second shot. Then it was people who had two shots but needed a “booster.”
And of course, there’s people who have been infected with the virus and recovered to develop natural immunity. They’re also “unvaccinated,” and they are often lumped together with people who have not been sick or exposed to the virus.
People who have developed natural immunity after infection are being shamed and punished for not receiving the vaccines. This is wrong and misguided. Medicine ain’t a one size fits all political solution.
Acknowledging Natural Immunity is Good Science
In developing a strategy to develop herd immunity, the Great Barrington Declaration, signed by medical professionals and scientists around the world, advocates focused protection as the central theme of managing the pandemic. The elderly and most vulnerable should be the primary focus of protection, especially vaccinating those who work with them in long-term care centers or hospitals.
The near singular focus on vaccinating the general public has led to the ignoring of the crucial role natural immunity plays in developing herd immunity, and consequently, harassment and negativity towards the “unvaccinated.” This is a mistake. Those with naturally acquired immunity after infection are not likely to spread the virus.
In December 2020 after their bouts with the virus, both the governor and his husband likely developed natural immunity at least until the governor was vaccinated a month later. Good for the governor if that’s what he and his doctor discussed and agreed.
I talked to my doctor, too, and I’m not getting the vaccination, mainly because I already have had a bout with the virus and take care of myself by exercising, eating right, and taking vitamins and mineral supplements to help my immune system. You know, things I can do to mitigate the consequences of the virus.
Natural immunity does exist. It’s time for the governor to stop demonizing the “unvaccinated” and calmly encourage those who have not been sick and vaccinated to talk to their doctors; he needs to accept whatever decisions they make and move on.
Or not. Like me.
And quite a few more people than the governor may realize.
Publisher’s Note: As always, we ask that you consult with your personal medical professional and make your own informed decisions on the best course of treatment for COVID-19 and the coronavirus.
