What to do after getting your first dose of the Coronavirus vaccine, according to Sheffield scientist
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The new guidance aims to support the national Covid vaccine roll-out by encouraging people to continue to adhere to government guidelines after their first dose.
Madelynne Arden, Professor of Health Psychology and Director of Centre for Behavioural Science and Applied Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University is the lead author on the guidance published by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
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Hide AdProfessor Arden said: “Every day we are seeing and hearing of more and more people receiving a Covid-19 vaccine which is excellent news and a really encouraging step on the path out of this pandemic. But recent evidence from the Office for National Statistics suggests that two out of five people broke lockdown regulations in the three-week period following their first vaccination dose and that puts them and their communities at risk.
“It is important that we continue being diligent with all the behaviours we have adopted this last year, such as good hand hygiene, face coverings, and social-distancing, so that we can work together to reduce levels of infection and get life going again. This guidance supports government advice, and we hope that it will be used to provide people with accessible, clear information when and where they receive their first vaccination”
Professor Angel Chater, Health Psychologist with Bedfordshire’s School of Sport Science and Physical Activity and Chair of the BSDP Taskforce, said: “Professor Arden has played an integral role in the British Psychological Society COVID-19 Behavioural Science and Disease Prevention Taskforce. Her links within the public health system have been invaluable in ensuring that the guidance that we are producing meets the needs of those who would benefit from it.
“Health Psychologists are experts in behaviour change and take a holistic view of health and illness. We take into consideration the biological, psychological, social and environmental factors that may influence health and illness, and use evidence-based theoretical models to understand and optimise health behaviours, health outcomes and strengthen the health care system.”