Abstract
Many lives were saved in high-risk populations through the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines. However, further mutation of new viral variants has reduced vaccine efficacy. Here we provide a review of the literature on pros and cons of vaccination and boost vs. naturally acquired immunity in young healthy adults. Our research indicates (1) being vaccinated, even after booster shots, demonstrates limits to protection from infection and spreading of the COVID-19 variants. (2) Young healthy adults predominantly develop mild or no symptoms after infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants, particularly Omicron, as such vaccination is not necessarily needed to protect young healthy adults. (3) Sequential vaccination with booster injections has been associated with reports of autoimmune complications. Complications not as commonly seen after natural infection. (4) Numerous assessments have revealed immunity imprinted through natural infection and durable protection against COVID-19 variants thereby supporting choice to natural infection in some. We conclude that for the young healthy adults, some of the risks and disadvantages afforded by vaccination prevail over the medical benefits. Moreover, Omicron as was observed, caused mild upper respiratory tract infection, and appeared to act in young healthy adults as an ideal “natural vaccine” to induce herd immunity, which in effect will diminish new variant development and may reduce duration of future pandemics in combination with vaccination of elderly and immune compromised.