Hidden Disabilities card, with the wording 'I am clinically extremely vulnerable' and 'Please be aware that I am shielding and am clinically extremely vulnerable. I need to maintain my distance from you', designed by Tabbers Limited, part of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, 2020

Between March and August 2020, people with certain health conditions were advised by the NHS to shield to protect themselves from COVID-19. Shielding meant limiting all face-to-face contact and to remain at home until advice was relaxed to allow limited outdoor activities. These included people who had an organ transplant, undergoing treatments that impacted their immune systems, and those undergoing kidney dialysis. Categorised as extremely clinically vulnerable, it means that their risk of complications from coronavirus is high. From December 2020, shielding advice depended on local restrictions. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme developed a card which people can choose to carry or wear to ensure others understand the wearer’s concerns.

People with diabetes are at higher risk of complications if they contract COVID-19. Due to this risk, people with diabetes were categorised as clinically vulnerable alongside others who are over 70, have heart, liver, or kidney disease or who are pregnant. While they are advised to follow the rules in their local areas, some people have taken additional precautions such as limiting their contact with others. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme developed a card which people can choose to carry to ensure others understand the wearer’s concerns.

Launched at Gatwick airport in 2016, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a symbol that people can choose to wear indicating that they may need additional assistance, space, or time.