Over-80s breaking lockdown rules after first vaccine, revealing a high level of confidence in the jab

The idea of breaking lockdown rules may not even have occurred to many people, as they look to safeguard the health of themselves, their loved ones and those who are vulnerable. However, as the current lockdown restrictions continue and families and friends remain unable to see each other socially, others might be finding it harder to stick to the rules. And it seems many of those who have already received their first Covid-19 vaccine have a high level of confidence in the jab.

So much so, that four in 10 over-80s are reportedly breaking coronavirus lockdown rules within three weeks of receiving their first vaccine. As reported by Metro.co.uk, figures from the Office for National Statistics found that an estimated two out of five said they had met indoors with someone other than a care worker or a member of their household or support bubble. 

The statistics also revealed a high level of confidence in the jab, with just 5% saying they would consider Covid-19 to be a ‘major or significant risk’ after having both doses, compared to 49% among those who haven’t had the vaccine.

Meanwhile a quarter of over-80s said they would be much, or somewhat more likely, to attend a hospital for medical reasons since they have been vaccinated. This already impressive number increased to a third for those who had received two vaccinations. 

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According to Metro.co.uk, Tim Gibbs, from the ONS’s public services analysis team said, “The rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination is, no doubt, a huge relief to many people aged over 80. It will hopefully also improve a wider quality of life for this group. We can see that one third of over-80s who had received two or more doses of the vaccine reported they would be more likely to attend a hospital for a medical reason since being vaccinated.

"We hope to start to see these wider positive effects of the vaccine rollout as it continues across more age groups in the coming weeks.”

What has been said about maintaining social distancing after the Covid-19 vaccine?

England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Jenny Harries has previously warned children against hugging their grandparents at this stage, even if they had been vaccinated. 

She stated during a Downing Street press conference that “Having got so far down the line with this and now on the road map, very, very carefully coming out, I would encourage children not to go off yet, even if their grandparents have had their vaccinations.

“Not to go hugging them too much until we’re absolutely sure what the impact of that vaccine rollout has been.

“I’m sure it’s going to be positive but we just need to take a steady course through the road map”, she explained. 

Who has already had the Covid-19 vaccine?

Many high-profile individuals have already had the vaccine and, perhaps just as importantly, have been open about their experiences. Just last week the Queen explained how the jab “didn’t hurt at all” and encouraged people to think of others, “rather than themselves” during an important video call. 

Similarly, American singer Dolly Parton has now had the vaccine and was adamant in her message to the public, urging people to get the jab. 

“I’m old enough to get it, and I’m smart enough to get it,” she said. “I wanted to tell everybody that you should get out there and do it too.”