The tests can determine whether or not an individual has had the virus in the past by looking for signs of the immune response. The FDA encourages Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19, even if they have tested positive for antibodies that combat the virus. 'The FDA will continue to monitor the use of authorized SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests for purposes other than identifying people with an adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2 from a recent or prior infection.' Data collected by the American Red Cross through blood donations suggests that a fifth of unvaccinated Americans have COVID-19 antibodies. Almost half of Americans have received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine as of Wednesday afternoon.

Source: Daily Mail May 20, 2021 01:28 UTC