YOUNGER AUSSIES ARE STEPPING UP
YOU have to marvel at young Australians who are rolling up their sleeves and getting their Covid-19 vaccinations.
In states suffering outbreaks – like Victoria and NSW – young people have led the charge in taking up the AstraZeneca vaccine.
After receiving medical advice from their GPs, young people have understood that they are far more likely to have issues should they become infected with coronavirus than they are of having a serious adverse effect to the Australian-made vaccine.
In fact, time and again young Australians have put themselves out for the greater good during the pandemic.
They’ve adhered to strict restrictions including social distancing, lockdowns and border closures.
Even though the impact of these restrictions arguably hit them the hardest, whether it be their emotional wellbeing or their financial wellbeing that’s suffered – or both.
Sure if they take their chances with the virus they could suffer very, very serious health outcomes and even death. But in the main, they have done the right thing to protect the most vulnerable in our community and we know that elderly are particularly at risk should they contact Covid-19.
It’s troubling that over 60s are not heeding the best advice available and really, to get out of this disaster, everyone needs to play their part.
AstraZeneca is the preferred shot for that age group because it’s safe and it’s effective. Unfortunately the vaccine has had bad press in Australia, not helped by some health officers perpetuating suggestions it’s a risky choice. When you look at the statistics, it’s the best bet for that age group.
The UK has vaccinated 75 per cent of its population and in doing so, all eligible residents over the age of 50 were given AstraZeneca. It wasn’t a choice, it was the recommendation and so it was followed.
People in the over 60 age group have had ample time to get vaccinated but, if they haven’t yet, they should heed the call from Prime Minister Scott Morrison to get their AstraZeneca vaccinations done before the national effort focuses on freeing Australia’s young people who are, understandably, now languishing in lockdown.
We’ve said it time and again, even if the PM took a long time to get there, we are in a race to get vaccinated.
We are in a race against Delta or another strain arriving on our shores.
We are in a race to get back to some semblance of normality where our economy can function and, while we will always have to be cautious, we need to get back to connecting freely with family, friends and our community again. Young people are showing the older generation the way and no one need be left behind.