Family Xmas with vulnerable DP

[HelloBrownEyez]

Regular mumsnetter here but have NC as this is fairly outing.

DP is in the at risk group. Not at the top of the list (if you look at the list of people likely to be vaccinated) but somewhere around the middle. They have a pre existing health condition (which is under control) and were advised to shield during lockdown #1...for a short period of time.

We have been very careful over the last few months. Have barely been anywhere unless it outdoors and even then only with each other. We have both been working from
home too.

Both families 'appear' to have been understanding of the fact we were being v careful and not been seen much. Though worth mentioning that neither of our families appearing to take it v seriously themselves. Both families live in different areas but both in tier 2.

However with Christmas on the horizon, it's almost as if everyone has forgotten the last few months and there's an unquestionable expectation that we will be visiting both sets of families.

Now if DP is able to get a vaccine before Xmas (I might be clutching at straws here!) I'll be a little more open to think about it... but as it stands now, AIBU to say that we should be spending Christmas at home the two of us?? Is anyone else in a similar position?

What the bloody hell is wrong with people? Just say not you're not seeing anyone. My parents who are vulnerable and my sister who is also vulnerable are not having anyone over for christmas this year and I work full time in the NHS so I'm not inflicting myself on anyone, we will all be alone.
Can't anybody just manage for one sodding year without a family christmas, WTF!!
I have some elderly patients whose adult children have died of it recently leaving them alone in their old age. And vice versa.
This isn't a joke or an inconvenience it's deadly.

This thread has been helpful, if for no other reason but because I showed DP the thread and was able to say "look, we are not overreacting". It's hard to know the balance when others around us don't seem to be taking it as seriously....

Thanks all

Imo there has been way too much hype on the need to save Christmas and family get togethers. Far more sensible to put it on hold and calm expectations down.

@Duggeehugs82 I'm asthmatic and need oral systemic steroids to control it, onto of my normal pill cart and inhalers.

The steroid card is confirmation that I should will be vaccinated this time around. The guidance states those with asthma that require systemic steroids on a regular basis are included.

I don't know about other conditions requiring steroids, you'd have to call your doctor. It's often a case by case clinical decision.

DP (who is category 4 for vaccine) just spoke with their consultant and consultant advised they should expect vaccine anywhere from end of December to end of January. (Upto 6 weeks)

Not sure if this is hospital dependent but thought I'd share.

Those dates all depend on the Oxford vaccine being approved though. We only have some of the first vaccine (name escapes me) and that's nowhere near enough to get to the 4th category.

So far, 800,000 Pfizer/BioNTechs. Enough for 400,000 people.