THE VACCINE DEBATE CONTINUES TO RAGE
It should be no surprise that COVID vaccination remains the issue that dominates your comments, mainly in favour.
But just as I had my first jab, another interesting question has arisen-- should the Fifty Up Club even consider such vexed questions?
As my arm gently aches after AstraZeneca shot one, I make no excuse for writing about the benefits of the vaccine for over 50s and indeed everyone.
But Anonymous from VIC commented:
"I don't think it is the role of the Fifty Up Club to push this. Present the facts and let people make their own minds up…we do have the luxury of waiting to see how things go elsewhere, and for a safer vaccine than AstraZeneca to be available to our age group."
I don’t know if we are 'pushing' the case for vaccination, as such - because it seems so blindly evident that by a million to one, the benefits both for the individual and society outweigh the costs/risks.
It's not just my opinion but that of legions of learned authorities here and around the world. The commentator above seems to think a 'safer' vaccine for older Australians is somehow en route.
Of course, people must make up their minds. Please use reliable expert and trustworthy sources and not social media or self-elected pundits whose subject matter authority is questionable. You deserve better.
On the broader issue as to if it's our role to 'push' this or any other contentious issues such as global warming, refugee policy, gender identity etc. again, you members make up your minds and let us know.
COVID vaccine, unlike the broader moral and political questions above, has a specific age focus around over 50s in particular and your appetite for it shows few signs of abating.
But back to the comments and two members who have their doubts:
Kurian from NSW:
“Once the vaccine dramas are sorted and we are confident with the information being supplied is truthful, then I will have the jab of choice for me.”
Suzanne from QLD:
“The Covid vaccine has not been tested as a vaccine. Therefore it is an experimental drug. Keep that in mind.”
I am delighted at the intelligent, reasoned and courteous reply from Karen which is too lengthy to include in full but can be seen in the comments section here.
Karen from NSW replied to Suzanne:
“ 'Real world' data of delivery of tens of millions of doses of both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccine prove conclusively to date they are safe and effective as advised by ATAGI and approved by the TGA. You are not alone in your thinking but I am truly at a loss to understand why."
Finally, two down to earth comments to digest. First, Brian from QLD:
“Both my wife and I are in our 70s. Had the AZ injection 4 weeks ago. Both have very serious underlying medical conditions. After effects Me... NIL. Wife sore arm for 2 days. nothing else. Also had Flu shot NO effects. Cannot wait to get our 2nd AZ shots so we can relax. I only think of the others refusing the vaccines as very, very selfish people.”
Here’s Ian from NSW:
“For those who do not think that they need a Covid 19 vaccination, "Dig the well before the drought."
The needle dug into my arm with little trouble booking, queuing or waiting. I was a little weary the day after but not enough to stop any of my weekend routines. Now the three-month gap until jab two. I can’t wait.
Any information is general advice, it does not take into account your individual circumstances, objectives, financial situation or needs.
