If you've had your first vaccinations, how safe is...

[TheVampiresWife]

...going on a bus to the next town?! I've not been further than a mile and half from my house since last March and oh my GOD I'm itching for a change of scenery

It's about a 40 minute journey and I'll do my grocery shopping while I'm there. We don't drive so I have to use public transport to get anywhere - up until now I've pretty much avoided it unless absolutely essential because I'm CV and was concerned about the risk. Not actually 100% clear on whether it's still essential journeys only, either - if it is in won't go obviously.

Vaccination was two weeks ago.

First vaccination

I would wait another week as I think it takes 3 weeks to build the maximum immunity you're going to get from 1 dose. Beyond that it's just down to your individual risk appetite and whether you feel like you are particularly vulnerable. Some people would do it and others wouldn't. If you do then be sure to sit by an open window.

I'm CV and have used the Tube throughout.

Had first vax a month or so ago, doesn't make much difference really. You do you. 🤷🏻‍♀️

All the evidence so far is that both vaccines reduce risk of being seriously ill by at least 90% with the first dose.

So far, so reassuring - thanks all!

Happy to do what @Catslovepies suggests and wait another week if it means better protection. What's another week after all?!

Definitely wait at least another week until you are 22 days post vaccine.

Then it depends a lot on how busy the busses are and if you can open the window. Around here the busses are empty other than school school transport times.

Obviously a good quality mask & hand sanitiser.

I'm CEV (one of the new ones) and I wouldn't risk it myself, yet others would happily. But just because some have used public transport throughout, it doesn't mean it's safe for you.

As of today the messaging (in England) changes from 'stay at home to stay local' I'd consider anything on a local bus route to be acceptable.

Will there be anything open? Maybe see how things go and wait until after 12 April when you can sit outside a pub or cafe?

Wait another week at least.

I’m CV and have to use the bus for work. Technically it probably isn’t advisable unless completely necessary.

If you are going to do it I’d say, keep the journey as short as possible, wear a decent mask and avoid the busiest times. I always open the window in front of me. I would say there are various states of mask compliance if that bothers you. Don’t rely on being protected no other people wearing masks properly or at all.

Yes I'd wait for 3 weeks. If you had AZ, in the trials there were no severe cases of covid or hospitalizations more than 22 days after the first dose

I read today that Pfizer first dose was found in a study of healthcare workers to reduce the risk of infection after the first dose by 80% and after the second dose by 90%.

I think that’s Pfizer. One of them is associated with a bit of a covid spike about 2 weeks after the first jab because everyone thought they were immune and went out mixing IIRC.