Should I be worried

[GemGem95]

A few weeks ago I received a letter saying I’ve been put on the shielding list because I’m at high risk of covid.

I was diagnosed with type 2 a few years ago but last year my doctor has said he thinks I’m slow burning type 1.

My brother whose 29 has got type 1 and my dad type 2 for many years but hasn’t received a letter to shield.

Has anyone else that’s diabetic received a letter from the shielding list in the past month.

[Koalajane]

I thought diabetes made you clinically vulnerable and not extremely vulnerable and who need to shield. Shielding finishes very soon anyway

[PurpleNails]

I also received letter last month, saying I was newly identified as clinically extremely vulnerable due to a combination of underlying health conditions. The letters do not specify why each individual has been added.

I was diagnosed type 2 just before first lockdown. I also had BMI over 40 which is considered high risk although no doctor has weighed me recently and I’m not in that category and more. I do take some medication (anti thyroid & beta blocker) but neither listed as a risk factor.

Do you take any other medication?

I do get offered a flu vaccine each year as I’m a carer to children with learning difficulties.

I think I read somewhere there are 7 datasets are being used to identify the clinically vulnerable, some national and some local to identify them, so I suspect there is a level error (both missing out people and wrongly including people)

My 2 children both have same rare heart condition 1 was told to shield one wasn’t. No one could explain why the other was or wasn’t listed. My child’s school insisted they adhere to the advice and she even asked a doctor if they would confirm her condition was not listed but doctor refused saying they didn’t have power to remove her from list.

At one stage we were sent a letter saying more is now known about virus & children do not need to shield. Then on turned 16 and a letter was sent out telling her to remain shielding.

[Gambit62]

shielding is basically an extreme of self isolation intended to ensure that someone who has particular vulnerability doesn't come into contact with the virus, as this is the only real way of reducing their much higher risk of developing severe symptoms.In the UK there has been a rapid nationwide roll out of vaccine and all vulnerable patients should by now have been offered their first jab but I suspect that people will be expected to shield until they have completed their second jab - due 12 weeks after their first. I have friends who are just coming up to their second jab. It takes a week or so for the jab to do its work so sheilding shouldn't end until after that period to keep the risks minimal.

[Marnie22]

Hi. This article explains why new categories of patients were sent letters. I hope you find it useful.bbc.com/news/health-56086965

🙂🌸