Do I need to shield if I’ve had the first dose of vaccine?

[Sar9]

I don’t seem to be able to find this information anywhere.

I shielded from March to August. Have been back at work (as a nurse) up till now.

I’m 30, otherwise fit and healthy, take methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis.

I had my first dose of phizer vaccine on the 8th December, was due to have second dose on 8th Jan - now cancelled due to new government advice.

Now I haven’t received a shielding letter as of yet. But I’m concerned that 1) I should be shielding, and 2) I’m not sure I can shield as my work situation has changed, meaning there’s only me and my boss as working in our small team, due to one of our nurses leaving back in September.

Help!

[Hidden]

Good question.. I’m sorry I don’t have the answer but I believe you are protected by up to 70% by the first dose.. I think it will be up to you .

[oldtimer]

There doesn't seem to be any official advice yet. But it seems sensible to assume that you are partially protected. But also that you are still capable of catching it and passing it on to others while the immunity from the vaccine gives you somewhere around 70% protection. You might also be in the 30% who do actually catch it, but it may not be as severe...

If you do decide to return to work then continue to take precautions - social distancing, mask and hand washing.

[Jo30]

Also a nurse and had to shield first wave due to high dose steroids as well as methotrexate after diagnosis in February 2020. When I spoke to rheumatology team after finishing the steroids I was allowed back to work. Since been changed to different meds as methotrexate affected my liver, tried leflunomide but that messed with my blood pressure so on a very tiny dose of it whilst I’ve just started benepali a few weeks ago and no shielding advised by the team. Due first dose of vaccine this week.

[Neonkittie17]

I saw this earlier today on the Gov.uk official site. I recall Boris and Whitty and Van Tam saying on TV Q&As a week or so ago you’re not totally protected or protected to the 70% the first dose is said to give, until after a couple of weeks following the first vaccination. I’ve cut and pasted this over below. I haven’t seen as any advice re the 12 week wait before you return for the second vaccination re if you need to shield before the second vaccination.

“Will the vaccine protect you?

The COVID-19 vaccine that you have had has been shown to reduce the chance of you suffering from COVID-19 disease. Each vaccine has been tested in more than 20,000 people in several different countries and shown to be safe.

It may take a week or two for your body to build up some protection from the first dose of vaccine. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, so you should continue to take recommended precautions to avoid infection. Some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.

Can you give COVID-19 to anyone if you have had the vaccine?

The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 infection, and a full course will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill. We do not yet know whether it will stop you from catching and passing on the virus, but we do expect it to reduce this risk. So, it is still important to follow the guidance in your local area to protect those around you.

To protect yourself and your family, friends and colleagues you still need to:

practice social distancing

wear a face mask

wash your hands carefully and frequently

follow the current guidance”

[Eiram50]

Hi from what you say, there appears to be no clinical need for you to shield - in terms of the criteria provided.

However, there clearly is a need for you to take great care in your role.

If at all concerned, I would have a conversation with your rhuemy/ GP.

Also, you’ll know better than anyone else, what is needed to make you feel safe - personally, I’d be guided by that but recognise that if being off work, a shielding letter is needed re pay etc.

Wishing you the very best of luck going forward and take care x

[Eiram50 in reply to Eiram50]

In terms of the vaccine, like others have said, it provides approximately 70% protection. Apparently it takes between 2/3 weeks after receiving the vaccine to have that immunity .

I have read no specific guidance but have read in the Scot gov information that those that have been vaccinated have to abide by same lockdown rules as everyone else x

[cathie]

I think you need to take every precaution I would. Seek advice but you know you’re not 100%

[helixhelix]

I think it could depend on what you want! If you've been back at work for past 5 months then having had the vaccine doesn't change much. It can only make it less risky not more risky...

Overall shielding guidance developed after first lockdown when it became obvious that we were not at as much risk as first thought.

[Gigi71]

As this lockdown is caused by the new variant as it spreads much more quickly, I would make every effort to contact your rheumy team or GP, to clarify what it means for you. All best wishes x

[Green230461]

So many conflicting opinions. I would ask rheummy for advice and speak to clinical committee for your area for specific details. If you were asked to shield last time new letter from govt is in the post

[allanah]

Just been on bbc 1 news that shielders who are vaccinated should continue to shield ie stay at home. I'd talk to your occy health about that advice.

[Bessieboo1]

I’m a nurse and I didn’t receive a shielding letter for the first lockdown but I did for the second so I have been working from home since November. I had my first vaccination today and I asked our matron who did it when I would be able to go back to the clinical area and she said as far as she was aware, I couldn’t return to work until I have had both vaccinations.