Persistence of COVID fear in elderly and disabled populations with the easing of covid restrictions

As of February 2022, the UK government have lifted all COVID-19 restrictions. For many, it feels like life may be returning to normal.

 However, it is important to recognise and validate the realities of others around us. Persistence of COVID fear is particularly high in older and disabled populations. For example, the over 70s are more than twice as likely (71%) to avoid crowded places due to COVID-19 compared to the 16-24 group (33%). Meanwhile, disabled people are almost two times less likely (6%) to believe their lives have returned to normal compared to non-disabled people (11%).

 Luckily, vaccines have proven to be highly protective against hospitalisation (up to 95%*) and death (over 90% **), meaning that staying up to date with booster schedules is effective for keeping members of our at-risk populations protected. 

Office for National Statistics

COVID-19 Surveillance Report

* A Moderna booster following any primary vaccine leads to 90 to 95% effectiveness against hospitalisation up to 9 weeks after vaccination.

** High levels of protection (over 90%) are seen against mortality with all 3 vaccines (Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer) and against both the Alpha and Delta variants with relatively limited waning.