However, a recent U.K. community-based population study found that those who have previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, demonstrate a lower rate of new Omicron BA.4/BA.5 infections compared to those who were vaccinated.
The study discovered that "the overall risk of retinal vascular occlusion in the vaccinated cohort was 2.19 times higher than that in the unvaccinated cohort at 2 years (95% Cl 2.00–2.39)."
President Joe Biden signed a bill ending the COVID-19 national emergency in the US, but his administration launched a $5 billion program named Project Next Gen that aims to expedite the development of new COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, sparking concerns over government overreach and individual liberties, despite recent research indicating natural immunity may provide superior protection.
"On Monday, April 10, 2023, the President signed into law: H.J.Res. 7, which terminates the national emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic," the White House announcement reads.