There are approximately 3.7 million people living in the UK who are classed as ‘extremely vulnerable’. Whilst the rest of us are excited to return to a semi-normal life (albeit with face masks, LFTs and social distancing measures), our clinically vulnerable are still required to isolate at home in order to keep themselves safe. This might not seem like a ‘big deal’ to lots of people. But it is very easy to selfishly consider our own healthy perspectives without pausing to acknowledge the significant impact of loneliness, isolation and poor mental health experienced by our clinically vulnerable population. Imagine having no end in sight to when you can go back to the shops? Or when you can hug family again? Our clinically vulnerable people are still in this position. 

It can be acknowledged that many of us are likely to experience cold-like symptoms with recent strains of COVID-19, but our clinically vulnerable people could experience life-threatening consequences of even a mild strain such as Omicron.

I am suggesting measures such as:

-          FFP3 mask-fitting to be made available for ALL clinically vulnerable people. 
This would enable them to feel safe in the knowledge that a mask has been medically fitted to their face and is impenetrable by COVID particles. This could, in turn, have a huge impact on their quality of life and mental health. It would enable them to attend big events like family wedding ceremonies and importantly, small day-to-day pleasures which we all take for granted such as just visiting a family member’s home for a chat.

-          Serology (or antibody) testing to be made a routine part of treatment on the NHS. 
For any person taking immunosuppressant drugs, they are left in limbo; not knowing if they have antibodies against COVID-19 or not because antibody tests are not currently routinely offered. Many people are therefore in a permanent state of fear, because their antibody levels are unknown due to lack of testing.

Please consider the above suggestions as simple but essential solutions which could have a hugely positive impact to 3.7 million people.