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“Getting the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others around you, especially as the more contagious Delta variant spreads around the country,” said CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky in a statement.

The study drew from COVID-19 cases in Kentucky from May to June 2021, before the Delta variant became widespread.

The study had 246 cases of COVID-19 and 492 controls. In the total population, 83% had prior COVID-19 infections between October and December 2020.

The study authors noted that the continued emergence of new variants could influence infection-acquired immunity. Prior studies have shown that natural infection leads to a weak or inconsistent response to multiple variants of concern.

The study authors noted that the study had several limitations. For instance, investigators did not confirm reinfection with whole-genome sequencing. They also postulate that vaccinated individuals may be less likely to seek COVID-19 testing.

The authors concluded that additional data might be required to bolster the findings.