Guidance

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

Updated 24 December 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 ended in England on 15 September 2021. This means that people who were previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) will not be advised to shield in the future or follow specific guidance.

This is because 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 treatments are becoming available. If your immune system means you are at higher risk from COVID-19, there is specific guidance for you (including a definition of what this means).

If you have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine, you should get vaccinated. Evidence indicates that 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine provide very effective protection against hospitalisation. It usually takes around 2 to 3 weeks for your body to develop its protective response.

To maintain this high level of protection through the coming winter, you should also get a booster vaccine for COVID-19 when offered. The booster programme is open to every adult who has had a second dose of the vaccine at least 3 months ago.

You should continue to follow the same guidance as the general public on staying safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19. 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 most recent 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 enclosed crowded spaces

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

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