Guidance

Guidance for people previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19

Updated 3 November 2021

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

The shielding programme has now ended in England. This means that people who were previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) will not be advised to shield in the future or follow specific national guidance.

If this applies to you, you will receive a letter informing you of these changes in more detail and providing further information on available support.  

The situation is now very different to when shielding was first introduced at the start of the pandemic. We know a lot more about the virus and what makes someone more or less vulnerable to COVID-19, the vaccine continues to be successfully rolled out, and other treatments and interventions are becoming available. 

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.

As a minimum, you should continue to follow the same guidance  on staying safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19. You should consider advice from your health professional on whether additional precautions are right for you. However, as someone with a health condition, you may want to consider, alongside any advice from your clinician, if additional precautions are right for you. These could include:

  • considering whether you and those you are meeting have been vaccinated – you might want to wait until 14 days after everyone’s second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before being in close contact with others

  • considering continuing to practice social distancing if that feels right for you and your friends

  • asking friends and family to take a rapid lateral flow antigen test before visiting you

  • asking home visitors to wear face coverings

  • avoiding crowded spaces

There is different guidance available for people living in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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