People previously considered to be clinically extremely
vulnerable will not be advised to shield again, as the government
agrees to end the requirement for centralised guidance for these
groups following expert clinical advice. The closure of the
shielding programme follows a pause to shielding guidance in
place since 1 April 2021.
This decision is based on there being far more information
available on the virus and what makes individuals more or less
vulnerable, the success of the COVID-19 vaccination programme and
the emergence of proven treatments, such as dexamethasone and
tocilizumab, to support improved outcomes in clinical care
pathways.
Shielding was introduced at the beginning of the COVID-19
pandemic as one of the few interventions available to support
those who were considered to be most at risk of serious illness
from the virus.
While this was the right decision at the time to protect the most
vulnerable during the initial waves of the virus when little was
known about the virus and risk characteristics, shielding advice
was extremely restrictive and for some, had a significant impact
on people’s lives and their mental and physical wellbeing.
Since 19 July, the guidance for clinically extremely vulnerable
people has been to follow the same advice as the rest of the
population, with the suggestion of additional precautions people
may wish to take. Research and evaluation for some individual
clinical groups will continue.
This will move the country towards the situation pre-COVID-19,
where people managed their own conditions with their health
professionals, who know the needs of their individual patients
best.
For some who may have a reduced immune response – for example
those who are immunocompromised or have particular cancers such
as blood (haematological) malignancies – and who are at risk from
infectious diseases more generally, a return to routine
individual advice from relevant specialists is now recommended.
Those previously on the Shielded Patient List will receive a
letter from the government in the coming days to inform them of
this decision.
The government will continue to assess the situation and the
risks posed by COVID-19 and, based on clinical advice, will
respond accordingly to keep the most vulnerable safe. Individuals
should consider advice from their health professional on whether
additional precautions are right for them.
People aged over 16 with underlying health conditions that put
them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 will also be prioritised
for booster vaccinations, as well as adult household contacts of
immunosuppressed individuals. This will ensure the protection the
vaccines provide will be maintained over the winter months.
Vaccinations as part of a booster programme will begin from next
week and the NHS will contact people directly to let them know
when it is their turn.
Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency Jenny Harries
said:
Since the start of the pandemic, the NHS has administered
millions of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, which
is why those who were originally considered clinically extremely
vulnerable have, since step 4 (19 July), been advised to follow
the same guidance as everyone else.
Because of this progress, the government does not expect to have
to issue shielding advice to this large group again, but will
continue to assess the risks to the most vulnerable from
COVID-19.
Those patients who are at risk from infectious diseases more
generally – for example patients with blood cancers – and who can
also remain less protected after other vaccinations, may wish to
discuss this with their specialist as part of their routine care.
I would urge everyone else to follow the guidance and continue
with the precautions that make you feel safe.
