Some hope for the shielders

[Pillowcase123]

I've been shielding since March like a lot of people. I did start going out a bit more over the Summer when cases went down but just on walks - it was great to see my parents etc albeit from a distance!

This lockdown has been somehow worse for me. My DP and I live in a 2 bed flat and while we've been really lucky to be able to work from home, I've found the dark nights and constant rain on top of not leaving the flat has been really difficult.

But

I got my first vaccine this morning! It feels like something has lifted and I feel so much more hopeful about the next few months. I know things are still bad, I know I dont get to break any social distancing rules etc now and that I do still need to shield but my whole perspective seems a bit brighter.

Just wanted to share my empathy with those that may be struggling now and to say, even the thought of being vaccinated can help - good luck everyone!

It feels good when someone shielding has the vaccine I agree. My DH had it last week and it feels like a relief for those around them too. Although I know it will take some weeks for it to kick in.

@Orangeblossom1977 it really has lifted my mood massively and it's good to hear your DH had a similar experience.

Maybe there's light at the end of this tunnel after all!

That's great news!
Still a bit depressing for my family though as my son is CEV and can't be vaccinated. I've been vaccinated myself but until herd immunity (if it's even possible) it's likely to still be risky for him 😔

I had mine last week, DP is a self employed trades person, so he has no choice but to work outside the home and see various people. He obviously tries to keep distance from customers, and has only been taking on work that's outside or in empty buildings, but the number of customers that sort of 'sneak' up on him (not really sneaking, but if he's doing something noisy he doesn't hear them coming) to talk or bring a cup of tea or whatever is astounding. He's so relieved that I'm a bit protected now, just in case he does bring it home despite all the precautions he's taking. I feel better too, as you say, like a weight has been lifted.

Pillowcase I was having moments of relief during the day and wondering why, kept remembering about the vaccine!

Mine works in manufacturing as well so it had been a worry too

@ofwarren I'm sorry to hear it's still a tricky time for your son. Hopefully the more people vaccinated, the quicker we can get this virus to a controllable level, particularly for those that are most at risk.

@WeeDangerousSpike oh wow, that must have been very stressful! Both for you and your DH, it's difficult when someone HAS to work with others. Weve been super lucky in that we've both been able to WFH - I'm glad you've managed to get your vaccine.

@Orangeblossom1977 hopefully a sign of happier times all around!

I was shielding from March to July but I didn't carry on when they said we could stop. I followed rules but went out, went on holiday - yes it was self catering in the UK and not abroad but it was lovely. In hindsight I wish I had done more as rates of infection were incredibly low at that time.
I had my first vax last week and look forward to being able to do what ever is allowed.

OP do you mind me asking if you had a letter or email offering you the vaccine or did you just book yourself online with your NHS number? I have 2 ECV friends that are yet to be invited for theirs

@Juliesipad glad you managed to get some fun in while you could!

It's made a massive difference in this house hold too (and yes,still following shielding advice,and it's not three weeks till Sunday)but I think shielding has been quite a mental weight,so knowing it's end is coming with every minute is making a similar sized impact

@3littlewords hi there, I dont mind at all. I got an email and a phone call from my GP (it's a hub type so is acting as a vaccine centre for the wider area) last Friday and booked the earliest appt I could which was this morning - so it was a really quick turnaround.

I know progress rates are really different in different areas. It may be that they're still working through the NHS workers/over 80s etc in your friend's area perhaps?

@Ridcully82 mental weight is a really good way to describe it - glad you're also feeling a bit brighter.

It's been a very long slog but hopefully we're getting towards the end now

@ofwarren

That's great news! Still a bit depressing for my family though as my son is CEV and can't be vaccinated. I've been vaccinated myself but until herd immunity (if it's even possible) it's likely to still be risky for him 😔

Us too, @ofwarren...hopefully I'll be vaccinated soon under carers, and dh when the over 50s get done, but there is still the risk of dds bringing it back to ds, and of course ds himself....he is supposed to be starting school transition soon he can't stay home forever, so it will just be a case of hoping low case numbers and keeping everything crossed works at keeping him well!

Sorry @Pillowcase123 - I feel bad, ploppung on your thread - but it is so rare to see a fellow parent with a shielding child!!
I'm honestly made up for you...and hope that the light at the end of the tunnel gets brighter and brighter!

I booked my vaccine online using the link on here. I had the jab on 30th Jan and actually got my letter today!
Anyone left in groups 1 to 4 is now urged to go online and book or ring 119, Matt Hancock has just announced.