Are we allowed to be optimistic yet? *Title edited by GNHQ*

I asked GNHQ to take out the [ smile ] in the title because it didn't work the way I expected it to.

Much like this thread ?

I'm being optimistic, which isn't really in the character of a dour Scot.

Amber I think there’s been a lot of mixed messaging in the media with its own agenda ( no change there then). Plus people wanting to believe the best and so hearing what they want to hear.

I’m waiting on the evidence as to how long immunity lasts, transmission and effectiveness with new variants.

Same here.

If only everybody could be patient just a bit longer and allow the scientists to work out what we have and what we need to do next this would all be over so much faster. Sadly I can't see that happening.

I've never really been pessimistic.

However, I was touched by my 23 year old son's reaction when I told him that I'm being vaccinated this week.

I haven't seen him since last summer and he always makes out that his mother is an irrelevance to him now. He wanted to know when I'm getting my second dose and immediately said that he was looking forward to seeing me again.

I'm actually more worried about him because he's been stuck in a flat on his own for months and hasn't had any face-to-face university tuition for nearly a year.

I think it’s a personality thing - my position is it’s good news so far as it goes - I’m waiting on the evidence as to how long immunity lasts, transmission and effectiveness with new variants. We have limited info on both.Atm it’s good to feel that if I catch it I’ve a very good chance of not being severely ill or dying. But I’m still trying to avoid catching it ?

As well as being good news for us all, it's very satisfying to know what a good job the scientists have done in developing the vaccines.

I recently re watched the two Panorama documentaries on the AZ vaccine on iPlayer - I was amazed how much more sense they made to me second time around, in the knowledge that the vaccine was actually being rolled out successfully (even if I won't get mine for months yet).

I felt quite hopeful after that, but even more so now that the data being analysed is showing the reduced serious illness the scientists were hoping for.

Yes I had the same reaction from a relative, I’m so pleased he’s so knowledgeable, and knows so much more than the scientists and politicians.

This is wonderful news. I’m very glad I’ve had my first AZ vaccine and I will be so happy once Mr. B has his too.

Peasblossom I had that reaction from friends abroad but thought they knew better here!

Yes Alegrias!!
Yes Peasblossom!!

I saw that bit of news and my heart lifted. I had the Astra Zeneca and then a phone call from a friend to tell me it was useless (unlike her Pfizer) so I’m especially pleased with the AZ figures.