Qantas ad promoting vaccines brings stranded and separated Australians to tears

Qantas has released a new ad that promotes getting a Covid-19 vaccine by tugging at the heart strings.

The ad, which some say has reduced them to tears, appeals to the many Australians who have been separated from loved ones overseas or interstate.

It aims to inspire people to look forward to a vaccinated future where travel is allowed again, with scenes of long-stranded travellers returning home and setting off to see family.

Set to Tones and I’s single Fly Away, the spot is part of the airline’s ‘Be Rewarded’ campaign, which offers discounts and incentives to vaccinated customers.

Dr Nick Coatsworth, an infectious diseases physician and Australia’s former deputy chief health officer, who featured in one of the federal government’s original Covid-19 ads, applauded the Qantas spot.

“This is how you get people looking forward to what a vaccinated society looks like,” Coatsworth wrote as he shared the ad on Twitter.

Many others praised the ad on social media, with some claiming they shed a tear while watching.

The airline’s campaign is part of a growing trend for the business and arts communities to launch their own provaccination advertising campaigns.

It comes after the Morrison government’s much-maligned offerings, including the “arm yourself” campaign.

Online commenters praised the inclusive representation in the ad. The ad’s writer and director Josh Whiteman

responded by saying “that means the world”.

Ads from organisations like the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra promoting vaccines have also been praised online.