We know there are many individuals who were identified as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) early on during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many have now had both vaccinations, but how protected are we and is it safe enough to come out?
That dramatic letter from the government strongly advising (but not forcing you) to stay as home has been quite unsettling and there probably won’t be a letter to tell you when to get out so how can each person decide what is the right time for them?
We have been talking to Sheffield’s public health team and some more thoughts to help you decide will be coming soon. Today we just wanted to let you know we’ve been listening and working with others to help navigate the less than easy to understand government advice.
In the meantime, here are some broad categories within the CEV community to help you think about your own situation:
First of all, some people may have not taken the offer of vaccination, whether under medical advice due to their condition, or concerns of side effects due to a complex medical history.
Secondly, you might have had your first Covid jab but not taken the second jab for whatever reason. Whatever your situation make sure you seriously consider taking the second dose and ask for GP advice if you are worried about side effects. The first jab gives very limited protection in the long term so it will have a big effect on your protection.
Thirdly, some will have had both jabs, but due to immune compromised you might be wondering how much protection this is giving you and what’s the right balance of risk for you.
Finally, some will have been classed as vulnerable for a non-immune compromised reason, how close do you come to the same protection as the main population or is there still a difference that will feed into decisions of what activities to get back to.
For everyone, it is important never to undervalue mental and physical wellbeing and include that in our thinking of what is best between the extremes of shielding and ‘freedom day’. We hope soon there will be a bit more information to help you think about this and discuss with a good friend. We’d say talk to your GP, but I’m sure that it will be hard to get an appointment for most of us so it’s best not relying on being able to access that conversation unless you have to.
If you want to get in touch with your thoughts or feelings why not come to one of our drop-ins on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 11am and share more? Contact james.martin@disabilitysheffield.org.uk for Zoom details. Or there’s always social media too!
