Concerns for the clinically vulnerable as life continues without Covid restrictions

Yet for the immunocompromised and clinically vulnerable, returning to "normality" and living without restrictions is an extremely worrying reality.

Approximately, there are 3.7 million people living in the UK who are classed as "extremely vulnerable".

This includes those who are living with a serious clinical or respiratory condition such as cancer or lung disease, those who have had organ transplants or those with a weakened immune system.

For this group of people, the pandemic has been a particularly tough period and they have spent much of this time shielding to protect themselves from the virus.

And while the vaccination programme has proved immensely successful in cutting down infection rates and preventing serious illness, there is still concern that the immunocompromised are still at risk of catching the virus and being unable to fight it off.  

Emily and her uncle prior to the pandemic

With two close family members who are deemed clinically vulnerable, Emily Grace, from Garswood, decided to start a petition to highlight this concerning reality and “at least try to make a difference”.

Emily said: “Two members of my family are immunocompromised, as my auntie has Lupus and my uncle has had a double lung transplant.

“Although Omicron has been shown to be less severe, for them it could still be fatal - and they are very much stuck at home as they have been for two years.”

After learning that her aunt and uncle will still be unable to come to her (delayed) wedding in April, Emily explained that she wanted to figure out ways to help the pair so that they could come to her special day.

Looking further into the issue, Emily realised that this is something which is affecting millions of people across the country – with many still shielding and unable to return to their normal lives.

Aware of the negative impact that extended periods of isolation can have, Emily said she became “motivated” to try and find some solutions to help those struggling.

Wayne after his lung transplant

Emily, 29, added: “My aunt and uncle are such positive and inspiring people, and I got really fed up of people telling the clinically vulnerable to just stay at home.

“I realised how many people were in the same position, so I wanted to do something to help and create solutions while not infringing on other people’s rights.”

One solution which may be suitable, Emily suggested, is to make antibody testing a routine treatment on the NHS.

For those who are immunocompromised or taking immunosuppressant drugs, this may ease their anxiety and allow them to take part in society by confirming that they do have antibody resistance to Covid-19.

Solutions are being suggested to make life safer for the clinically vulnerable

Another suggested solution was to make FFP3 fitting masks available to all clinically vulnerable people.

These medically fitted masks may similarly ease the anxiety for those who are vulnerable and have a “huge impact on their quality of life and mental health” – as well as enabling them to attend big events like Emily’s wedding.

A fourth Covid-19 vaccine has also been made available to those who are in the clinically vulnerable category.

Since creating her petition, Emily said that it has attracted attention from around the country and notched almost 40,000 signatures in less than two weeks.

St Helens North MP Conor McGinn has also got involved and hopes to take the issue into Parliament and demand further government support.

Many others have contacted her with personal, and often emotional, supportive messages.

St Helens North MP Conor McGinn said he will try to take this issue to Parliament

Emily added: “I’ve had so many messages from people who are still holed up inside and don’t feel safe.

“People have told me that they ‘feel like the forgotten’ and I just think that after the pandemic, we all should all share the responsibility to help others and make them feel safe.

“Hopefully the petition can continue to attract attention and the government can act on creating solutions.”

To sign Emily's petition visit this link