Hi all ... for those that have been shielding. What’s everyone’s thoughts on it ending on Mach 31st or do you think it will be extended again .. I had my first vaccine dose beginning of February and my 2nd is booked for end of April..
personally I would prefer not to go back to Work until after the second dose ??
No idea. Suspect shielding may be relaxed due to other things opening up....🤷♀️I understand your reluctance to return to work until after 2nd jab but most of the vaccine is effective after 1st jab. 2nd one only seems to improve effectiveness by small percentage.
Both my GP and respiratory consultant have told me 30-60% protection after 1st vaccine dose and up to 95% after 2nd dose .. seems there’s a lot of conflicting information doing the rounds ... it’s hard to know what to take as gospel 🤦♂️
True. I heard MUCH higher after first jab.....In light of your job I hope shielding continues. Without it you will struggle to stay away from work. Depending on what you do.Personally having been shielding for over a year am keen for it to end. Also my work place had no issues with working from home. Even after shielding was paused.
I think our knowledge on efficacy after the first dose has developed since the trials, now a lot of people have actually been vaccinated. The initial data from the trials for efficacy after one dose put it lower (eg Pfizer trial had 52% for any case after first dose, 95% after the second). Since then, real world data on Pfizer from Israel, who are very efficient at vaccinating, have put it higher ( news.sky.com/story/covid-19.... I don't have those figures for the Oxford or other ones but you can see how it's changed for this one vaccine now we have more data.
It also does depend on how soon afterwards you're talking - this real world Pfizer figure (85% for symptomatic, 75% for all infections) was for 15-28 days post first dose, so it may well be lower before then. Also worth bearing in mind that jabs seem to be even more effective at preventing severe disease than this figure - a lot of these cases may be mild, even if people do catch it. COVID isn't flu but you get similar with the flu jab - even if you do get flu post jab it is often less severe.
As Bevvy says, I expect shielding to pause again once things begin to be more open, assuming cases are at a reasonable rate. It may be down to individual employers and occupational health. I admit I'm fed up with shielding, but then tbf I am lucky to work at home freelance anyway so not really noticing the difference this time (and I do go into shops etc now).
I'm fed up of shielding now, and can't afford to be off work any longer on ESA as don't get sick pay or furlough unfortunately. But because of my job rgn cons would like me to wait until 2nd jab before returning to work.
I think at the end of the day each individual has to make their own informed decision based on their circumstances. 🙂
Yep also fed up of it. Not doing it anywhere near what the stalwarts.
I’m technically a shielder but because I’m self employed (and ineligible for ESA etc) and last year used up my savings I’ve been having to work as I now can’t afford not to. (I’m in healthcare, working in very close contact with patients, in PPE). I’ve been shielding on my days off as much as I can to protect myself that way, but so long as people adhere to the current system (ie respecting people space and using antibac and masks etc) I feel like it’s actually quite safe (at least it is where I am).
My 2nd dose is April, but I know shielders who caught COVID after the first dose and they had minimal issues (to the point it was a surprise when the test was positive when they were admitted for they usual condition).
So personally I’m not concerned about officially coming out of shielding (tho that’s probs influenced by how close contact my work is that I’m already doing) and will actually see it as quite freeing (as I don’t have to feel guilty +/- keep justifying the fact that I’m having to work).
However as MLHM says coming out of shielding needs to be an individual choice based on their own circumstances. Most places will be being pushed to do WFH with an added push for CEV to especially keep at this so hopefully for you this will apply!
It's just pants really isnt it. What I should've said, also not been medically fit to do my job as well as shielding with the long covid etc or I would have gone back to work. I went back to work before end of 1st lockdown but didn't end well for me, so reluctantly taking my medical advice 🙄🙄😂🤣. However as soon as my symptoms are under control I'll be back to work, shielding or not! Next jab end of April. 🤣😂 x
12 week shielding rule
Should I be shielding ? 
Should I be shielding
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