I’ll probably be flamed for asking but...

[losingmymindinlockdown]

Once I’ve had both doses of the covid vaccine would AIBU to hug people again? I’m due the first of my vaccinations next week. I’m in my early 30’s, not vulnerable at all, my parents are mid 50’s, sisters in their 20’s. Is there any reason why if after the 3 weeks have gone by following my 2nd vaccination why I can’t hug my family? As surely I can’t catch it from them and they won’t catch it from me.

You can still carry and transmit the virus so you would be very unreasonable, yes.

What's a hug last, ten seconds? Hug your family if you want to! I've hugged a few people and I can't see it's really any worse than being in their company for an hour over lunch in a cafe of whatever.

That’s not a fact, we just don’t know yet so we shouldn’t take the risk.

So no then. Right ok. I’ll book them all in for hugs for 2024 then. So sick of all this.

No you can’t. It’s not known if the vaccine stops transmission or not so you could still pass it on. Sorry but you need to follow the same restrictions as everyone else. Hopefully restrictions will ease soon though.

Good question. I think the transmission risk is reduced but still there.

We should get a clearer picture soon as more people get their second dose.

Are you getting the Pfizer one? Do keep in mind the body takes some weeks to produce the antibodies, so what ever you decide, do wait a couple of weeks after the second dose.

Israel found 96% efficacy after the second Pfizer vaccine dose article here.

Worth noting that Israel vaccinate with 3 week interval between the first and second dose. Not sure how the date holds with the 12 week delay suggested in UK.

Get a pack of plastic rain ponchos, each put one on back to front. Hug for as long as you like.

@losingmymindinlockdown don't despair.

Data keeps coming in as more people get vaccinated and the latest data seem to be encouraging.

Daily Mail article sorry, Telegraph one is behind a paywall!

@IncludeWomenInTheSequel

What's a hug last, ten seconds? Hug your family if you want to! I've hugged a few people and I can't see it's really any worse than being in their company for an hour over lunch in a cafe of whatever.

But you can't meet them for an hour in a cafe over lunch either? Unless you aren't in the UK?

@losingmymindinlockdown

So no then. Right ok. I’ll book them all in for hugs for 2024 then. So sick of all this.

don't ask MN.

have you spoken to the people? I don't advocate hugging anyone without their consent!

Consenting adults etc.

Not right now we can't, but we have been able to, is what I meant.

I've had the first dose, As has MIL

DH said to me yesterday, "great, you and MIL will be able to hug for all of us once you've had the second jab and the 2 week wait"

That's a lot of hug responsibility!

People have been testing positive after having their jab, so definitely no. You can absolutely still carry and pass on covid. Continue to wear your mask if you're able, stay socially distanced and follow all guidelines. You're no safer than anyone else yet.

no they stilldont know if it passes on to others still so you cant just wait for the secind ne then hug people

Could you hug whilst a third person stands at the side of you both spraying Dettol into the air above you?

Yabu

We're all fed up of it op. But I'm very, very worried that the vaccine won't be so effective if people take risks after the vaccine (and yes, it's bloody sad that hugging your family is taking a risk).

This new variant is so contagious. I've caught it despite being incredibly careful and cautious. I saw my family members precisely once this year, over the summer.

I'm heavily pregnant, and scared now that I've caught it. I'm an hcp and was just about to have the vaccine, but caught it in the meantime.

Hang in there. We will get back to normal.

I think when they've had their vaccines too, you should be okay. So maybe October?!

Least you can see them, plenty of us folk with family abroad we haven't even seen for a year with no end in sight as to when it will be possible.

Try and be grateful for what you can do rather than what you shouldn't.

@IncludeWomenInTheSequel

What's a hug last, ten seconds? Hug your family if you want to! I've hugged a few people and I can't see it's really any worse than being in their company for an hour over lunch in a cafe of whatever.

This sounds sensible. A quick hug is surely no added risk once you're in the same room as someone for more than a few minutes? It depends on what you, and the other half of the hug, are comfortable with.

How are you seeing family? If they're your support bubble presumably you can hug them anyway.

Everyone's sick of it OP. I feel the same as you, but now I know that both I and my parents will be vaccinated within a few more weeks then I can wait to give them a hug then.

It's really not much longer. And think how awful you'd feel if you gave it to them? No amount of hugs would make up for that.

The Government have been really clear on this - anyone who has the vaccine needs to carry on following the rules:

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