How long does covid immunity last?

Protection comes from immune responses after vaccination, infection or both. These responses can weaken with time, and the virus can change enough that earlier immunity recognises it less effectively. Age, pregnancy, immune-suppressing treatment and other health conditions can also affect protection. Immunity lowers risk but does not make infection impossible, and a previous infection does not reliably prevent a future one.

Symptoms after COVID-19, such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, joint pain, loss of smell, loss of taste or low mood, can continue for different reasons. Persistent symptoms should be discussed with a clinician rather than used as a test of immunity.

Follow current vaccination advice offered to you, especially if you have a condition or treatment that affects immunity. Keep ventilation in mind in crowded indoor settings, stay home when acutely unwell and seek advice early if you develop symptoms and are at higher risk. Read more about [COVID-19](/conditions/covid-19/) and [Long COVID](/conditions/long-covid/).

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, new confusion, inability to stay awake, blue or grey lips, or sudden worsening. Contact a clinician promptly if you are at higher risk and develop COVID symptoms, or if fatigue, concentration problems, pain, smell changes, taste changes or low mood interfere with everyday life.

Ask which vaccination advice applies to you, whether your medicines affect immune protection, what to do after an exposure, and when persistent symptoms need assessment.