'Just because you’ve had a vaccine, does not mean it is safe to socialise', warn health bosses
People who have been vaccinated against Covid are being warned they still need to follow social distancing rules.
The county has seen rapidly increasing numbers of people receiving Covid vaccines over recent days – with the latest figures showing 69,893 people had received their first dose.
However one of the county's public health chiefs has reminded people that just because they have been vaccinated, it does not mean it is safe to socialise.
Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said: “We all want an end to lockdown, so it is now more important than ever that we continue to observe these simple behaviours, to prevent further spread of the virus and protect our communities.
"Remember: just because you’ve had a vaccine, does not mean it is safe for you to socialise.
"We do not yet know whether it will stop you from catching and passing on the virus, but we do expect it to reduce this risk. So, it is still important to follow the guidance in your local area to protect those around you.”
Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change said: "The NHS rollout of the vaccination programme marks a significant step forward in the fight against Covid-19.
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"The opening of our two large vaccination centres in Shrewsbury and Ludlow means we now have the capacity to vaccinate tens of thousands of more people across the county.
"I know how keen everyone is to get their jab and get back to normal, but for those who have received their first dose, it can take three weeks to build up protection from the virus, and it is not yet known whether people who have had the vaccine can still transmit the virus.
"It’s vital to continue following the rules after being vaccinated, to ensure that you don’t unknowingly pass on the virus to anybody else.
"This is especially important if you are caring for or seeing someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable, over 50 or has an underlying health condition, because you could be putting them at risk of severe illness or even death.”
An update from Shropshire Council said that even those vaccinated do not receive protection straight away – It usually takes three weeks to develop immunity.
A spokesman added: "We don’t yet know how well the Covid-19 vaccines work at preventing transmission of the virus.
"It’s therefore possible that after vaccination you could develop Covid-19 but have no symptoms, so still be able to pass the virus on unknowingly to someone else."
