Coronavirus in Scotland: How it felt to get the vaccine as one of Scotland's vulnerable under-25s

For those in Scotland ‘shielding’ from the virus, the last 11 months have been arduous and grim. Offered no summer reprieve many have been at home for nearly a year. Glasgow journalist Sanjeev Mann reveals what life has been like for an under-25 shielder.

The Covid-19 vaccine rollout is well under way. For Scots shielding this is brings a surge of relief. (Photo by Andrew Milligan - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

For young sociable shielders the vaccine means light at the end of the tunnel, it hopefully means a way out into the new normal.

I felt excitement going for the jag and a huge relief to be vaccinated, it felt like a step forward into comfortably leaving my home, and seeing people face to face. It hasn’t been an easy journey to this point.

‘Terrified of Covid’

As someone with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and the respiratory issues I have, I was always frankly terrified of catching Covid. Every step of the way I’ve followed the rules, meaning I’ve not seen anyone apart from my assistants and the family I live with. Constant tiptoeing whenever I went outside or near anyone outwith my household. As someone who completely discontinued care during the first lockdown (like many others), the vaccine brings a surge of security and safety.

In the early stages it felt like young shielders were getting forgotten, but as the months moved forward stories started to pop up, although most still failed to remember we ARE young, we ARE sociable, we ARE employed, and we most definitely enjoy a Friday night at the pub with mates. That’s exactly why the vaccine is so important to us as a community.

An ‘extremely difficult’ year

To put it mildly, the last year has been different.

Sanjeev Mann, 24 is a journalist in Glasgow with a condition which has meant he has had to shield himself for the entirety of lockdown. Now vaccinated he is excited about the future.

Staying indoors for a year can’t be that bad, can it, some might ask. I may have fewer responsibilities now but I do have lots and lots of time with my thoughts which will test even the strongest of people.

Vulnerable people have been trapped within four walls with limited contact. I have found it extremely difficult being away from society and being stuck at home all the time even in the summer.

I am from a select portion of the population. At 24 I am one of 3,932 shielders in Scotland between 16 and 24. Being in this group is lonely, I’ve felt a sense of distance, even more so when things began opening up again yet nothing changed for me. This winter lockdown has been the toughest yet. No one enjoys the long dark nights, although keeping in touch with others in the same situation has helped me.

‘Please take the vaccine’

I’m incredibly thankful for the support of my family. I think of those like me but who have limited or no support and can only imagine how hard things have been. All shielders want to be a part of a community, very few want to live alone and it’s exactly these reasons why the vaccines are so vital. I want to be a part of society, shielders want their life back much like everyone else. It’s not only the over 80's but it’s also about those in their teens and young adults who want to experience life.

When the vaccines were announced, I felt a wave of genuine security and safety. It was the rescue we needed to reach steady ground.

The vaccine is here and I for one now look forward to the future with the excitement of freedom. It’s vital that even after news of death and sadness, we stay strong and positive.

If you are offered the vaccine please, please take the opportunity to do so. It not only protects you but also protects those around who are more susceptible to the virus.

Follow the rules, and don’t deny the chance to keep people safe.

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