While infection can generate immunity, it’s less predictable and riskier compared to vaccination. Vaccine-induced immunity is reliable, robust, and carries fewer risks than infection, making it the safer choice. Both COVID-19 and the flu share many similarities. For example, they’re both respiratory illnesses that exhibit similar symptoms. However, they’re also different in important ways. For instance, COVID-19 has a higher mortality rate and is more likely to result in complications compared to the flu.