Many people are still shielding from COVID – and our research suggests their mental health is getting worse

Shortly after the pandemic was declared in March 2020, more than 2 million people in the UK were advised to shield in their homes because they were deemed “clinically extremely vulnerable” to the effects of COVID-19. This included people with compromised immune systems and underlying health conditions.

With the advent of COVID vaccines and treatments, the advice to shield lapsed in August 2021. Yet despite encouragement to reintegrate into society, many people continued to shield in their homes. As of May 2022, 13% of people classified as clinically vulnerable were still shielding, while 69% reported taking extra precautions (these might include social distancing or wearing a mask).

We know the psychological impact of extended social isolation is significant. This is compounded by the effects of restricted access to medicines, healthcare and basic supplies.

Research we did during the first wave of the pandemic in March 2020 confirmed that beyond being physically vulnerable, those shielding were also the most vulnerable psychologically. We found that people who were classified as clinically extremely vulnerable were more depressed, more generally anxious, and more anxious about their health than the general population.