On 6th February I received my first dose of the Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccination. Despite the 24 hour minor headache and slight nauseous feeling, I felt relief that the UK were so organised in offering the protection to it’s citizens. Ten weeks later and I received a text inviting me to book an appointment for my second dose which I received on 26th April.

The latest Astra Zeneca results show that after two doses I have an 82.4% less risk of catching Covid-19 & 94% less risk of being hospitalised, should I be unfortunate enough to become infected.

Almost two weeks on from my second jab and it should be reaching its maximum protection. Hooray 👏👏  But where does that leave me in relation to normal life?

1: I am still required to follow all the guidelines, like wearing a mask in public places such as supermarkets, socially distance, no hugging or kissing those outside my bubble, and would still need to isolate if I came into contact with someone who has the virus.

2: I can still only socialise, in a group of 6, outside of my bubble, and remain outdoors. So for the time being the pub will have to wait.

3: I’m not sure how significant being only 82.4% protected is. I have been careful since day 1, and apart from my daughter who works on the front line at the hospital, my immediate family have been relatively unscathed.  However I definitely now feel less wary around strangers.

4: Like the rest of the Nation, I am still unable to travel overseas, not that I particularly wish to board a plane at the present time. I wonder, however, even when restrictions are lifted, will I still need to provide a negative COVID-19 test?

5: If I were to be contacted by the track and trace team for being in contact with someone with the virus, I will still be required to self isolate.

In reality I never anticipated that I would be given additional freedoms  after receiving my 2nd jab. It has however raised a few questions for which there are no immediate answers:-

1: Is it likely that the wearing of masks, in indoor public facilities, and on public transport. will continue for some time yet?

2: Will self isolating, if we come into contact with someone with the virus, continue beyond the magic date of 21st June?

3: Are we likely to need a booster jab in the Autumn, to protect us through the dangerous Winter period? And like the flu jab will we need a top up every year going forward?

4: If, as is looking likely, International travel is permitted from 17th May, will I need to take a Covid-19 test or will proof of being vaccinated suffice?

5: Is it really likely that social distancing will completely disappear come 21st June?

I’m sure the answers to all my questions will be revealed in the fullness of time. In the meantime we must continue to abide by the regulations. For the most part, I have felt completely informed of guidelines and timescales. I am certain that, despite the media constantly trying to preempt everything, that the Government will continue to advise us of decisions as soon as these are made.

I personally feel that, although I am pretty much masked out, and am never quite sure what to do if I need to sneeze whilst wearing one, the requirement to wear them in public indoor spaces and public transport, will continue until we see the effect, the vaccination programme has over the Winter months.

Every month that passes, bring good news regarding the benefits of the vaccinations, so I am hopeful that once all eligible citizens have been offered their 2nd jab, that self isolation will become a thing of the past.

Considering in recent weeks, the Government has ordered vast quantities of vaccines, it would seem that we are likely to be offered a booster in the Autumn, even if it is only the elderly and clinically vulnerable. Which would also in turn suggest an annual booster will be  needed.

The EU are trialling a Covid-19 passport app, which will be available to all EU citizens to enable them to travel freely. The UK Government have also announced the possibility of adapting the current NHS app to be able to provide electronic confirmation via a QR code, either of your receipt of the vaccine or the result of a recent COVID-19 test. Having downloaded the app, it is already displaying my vaccine, so hopefully the app can be adapted in time for the reopening of International travel.

I think as the majority of us have adhered to social distancing, it will be quite strange not to step aside as we pass people in the street, or for supermarkets and shops to be full of customers, and will feel very odd to be able to stand at the bar in a pub.

The World owes a huge debt of gratitude to the wonderful scientists around the globe, who have developed vaccines against this virus, enabling us to gently ease ourselves back to normality, whatever that turns out to be.

For me though, having not hugged some family members, or the Besties since before lockdown 1, I am so looking forward to spending time in the company of friends and family, with lots of laughter and without being fearful of getting too close or giving them a hug.