Should I get an antibody test before getting vaccinated?

No, you should not get an antibody test before getting the vaccine.

Antibody tests, also called serological tests, are used to identify recent or past infections. There are many types of antibodies that are important to your immune system, so having antibodies to the virus does not always mean you are protected against getting sick again. The COVID vaccines are recommended for everyone, regardless of whether or not you’ve had COVID-19 before.  So there is no value in getting an antibody test before getting vaccinated. Skip the antibody test, save yourself the time and money, and head straight to the vaccine clinic.

Last update: August 20, 2021, 7:03pm ET

Science review: MG, GSN