Advice on protecting yourself against coronavirus (COVID-19)
Some people with cancer have a weakened 
or a blood cancer. If you are in this group, you should take extra care to protect yourself. Follow the advice of your healthcare team and the guidance for your part of the UK.
Some people have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of getting ill with severe COVID-19. This group of people were called clinically extremely vulnerable before. If you are in this group, the current advice is to follow the same rules as the rest of the population. But to keep certain things in mind to make sure you are safe (please see below).
You can read more detailed information on the advice on how to protect yourself from coronavirus in each UK nation. Follow the links further down on this page.
We update our coronavirus advice with guidance as and when it becomes available.
A weakened immune system
Some people might have a weakened because of their cancer or cancer treatment. This includes people who had or recently have had a:
- blood cancer (such as
leukaemia or lymphoma ) - weakened immune system due to treatment. This includes
steroid medicine, biological therapy , chemotherapy or radiotherapy bone marrow transplant
You will know that you are in this group if your GP or healthcare team have informed you that you are eligible for:
- a third primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (this is not your booster jab)
- the new treatments for COVID-19
How can I protect myself from the coronavirus if I have a weakened immune system?
If you have a weakened immune system, follow the advice from your healthcare team. In England, the advice on how to protect yourself if you have a weakened immune system is:
- ensure you have had all of the vaccines you are eligible to have, including booster jabs
- continue to follow any specific advice from your healthcare team for your cancer or treatment
- work from home, but if you can't, speak to your employer about any temporary arrangements they can make to reduce your risk
- don’t meet with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 (and anyone in their household) until 10 days after their positive test
- try to avoid people who have symptoms of COVID-19, other respiratory infections, a temperature or who feel unwell
- avoid enclosed, crowded spaces
- practise social distancing if that feels right for you and your friends
- ventilate your home by opening windows and doors to let fresh air in
- ask friends and family to take a rapid lateral flow antigen test before visiting you
- wear a face covering in crowded public spaces – it can provide some protection
- ask home visitors to wear face coverings
- wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face
A health condition that puts you at higher risk
Some people have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of getting ill with severe COVID-19. This group of people were called clinically extremely vulnerable before.
The current advice for people with a health condition that puts them at higher risk is to follow the same advice as the rest of the population. They should also keep the following in mind:
- get all your COVID-19 jabs
- don’t meet with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 (and anyone in their household) until 10 days after their positive test
- practise social distancing if that feels right for you and your friends
- ask friends and family to take a rapid lateral flow antigen test before visiting you
- ask home visitors to wear face coverings
- avoid enclosed, crowded spaces
What is the advice on protecting yourself from COVID-19 in the different UK countries?
For more detailed information for each UK nation follow the links below.
England
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
I’m taking extra care to protect myself and live with other people, what should we do?
Your healthcare team or GP might ask you to take extra measures to protect yourself. This is because of your individual risk and circumstances. Follow the advice from your healthcare team or GP.
If you have a very weakened immune system, you and your household contacts should have all your coronavirus vaccines.
In general, anyone who lives with you should reduce their contact outside their home where possible. But they do not have to practice the same measures. They should practice social distancing (see below).
- Spend as little time as possible with other people that you live with in shared spaces. This includes the kitchen or living room. Keep these areas well ventilated.
- Everyone in the household should wear a face covering.
- Try to keep 2 metres (3 steps) away from people you live with. Sleep in a different bed where possible.
- Use separate towels to other people in your house.
- Use a separate bathroom if possible. If you need to share a toilet and bathroom, this should be cleaned after you use them.
- Everyone should wash their hands regularly. They should avoid touching their faces and clean frequently touched surfaces.
- Depending on your situation, it could be very difficult to stay separate from others at home. Do what you can. It is important that you feel you can support each other through this.
Travelling to hospital
Many hospital appointments have changed to telephone or video appointments. But you might still have to attend the hospital. There are some practical tips that can help you feel safer:
- Try to avoid public transport and go by car where possible. Ask a friend or family member to drive you if you can't drive.
- Try to practise social distancing with the person driving you. Sit as far away as possible from them.
- Wear a face covering.
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
- Wash your hands where possible or use a hand sanitiser gel before, during and after the journey.
Hospital transport
Your hospital might be able to provide hospital transport. This is usually when you are unable to travel by yourself or find someone to drive you. The transport service will have safety and cleaning procedures in place. Talk to your medical team or contact the transport service at your hospital. They can give you more information.
Care and support if you're taking extra care to protect yourself
Visits for essential support
You can have visits from anyone who helps you with essential support. For example, healthcare staff or carers. Visitors should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. They should do this when they arrive and often during their visit.
Getting help from the NHS
The NHS and other health providers can give support with your current and new health conditions.
There is a range of NHS services which you can access from home. It includes ordering repeat prescriptions or contacting health professionals for an online appointment.
You can also download the NHS App.
Help with work, shopping and medicines
Work
If you are too ill to work, you may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay.
Children and young people should go to education settings unless their doctor has advised them not to.
Shopping and medicines
Many local authorities might have schemes to help. This includes things like shopping and getting medicines. There might also be a local volunteer scheme in your area. Contact your local council to find out more, or check your local authority's website.
Supermarket delivery slots
You can book delivery slots with your supermarket.
