Published on: 5 January 2021
Following the announcement from the Prime Minister last night, 4 January 2021, we are now in national lockdown as coronavirus cases continue to rise across the country.
Many people affected by cancer will have been shielding for some time as people who are clinically extremely vulnerable are advised to stay at home as much as possible to limit your chances of getting the virus. You can continue to go outdoors for exercise or to attend essential health appointments unless you are advised otherwise by your healthcare team.
People across the NHS are working incredibly hard to make services as safe as possible for those who need them and if you have any worries or any signs or symptoms that could be cancer, please contact your GP or if you are already accessing services, your cancer services team will be able to help and advise you.
Vaccinations for Covid-19 are taking place across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw and you will be contacted by the NHS when it is your turn. We are following national guidance from The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to roll out the vaccination programme locally and regionally, with clinically vulnerable people being on the priority list. It is important to point out that if your immune system is suppressed in any way by your condition (and subsequent treatment) then you will need to continue shielding even if you have had the vaccine.
Further information about the JCVI vaccination guidance is here.
Support available for people affected by cancer
We have some fantastic charity partners working across our region to support people affected by cancer and their families.
You can find more information on these charities and the support they offer below.
You can also view a full list of support services here.