to think health professionals shouldn't shame people

[EmmaGrundyForPM]

My son did not get a Covid jab. His rationale was that his risk of serious illness was very low even if he contracted it, and that all those who are at high risk have now been jabbed. I don't agree with that argument, and have had all 3 jabs myself, but respect that that is his view. He also suffers from anxiety and panic attacks.

He finally decided to have the vaccine, as he realises that various restrictions might impact on him (Covid passports etc) if he remains unvaccinated. So he went off yo the walk-in centre to get one this morning.

He's just got home fuming. When he presented himself, the person registering him asked him why he hadn't had his jab earlier. Why would that be any of their business? He then went through to the vaccinator who asked the same thing. He did explain that he had changed his mind because he wants to go to concerts and to visit his grandparents abroad. The vaccinator then said "that's a very selfish attitude, you won't have a vaccine to prevent people dying but you will to go on holiday".

Surely Health Professionals ought to be encouraging people to get vaccinated, not shaming them? I've given him grief about not getting vaccinated but I'm his Mum and he lives with us. I volunteer in a vaccine clinic and have always made a point of being really positive towards everyone who comes for their vaccine. AIBU?

And how do you think the government will enforce that? Send the police round and hold them down? A complete breach of human rights. Many many people would not accept that, even those that are vaccinated. Because of the implications it has longer term. I can imagine the riots if the government tried to implement that. It wouldn't be pretty.

Very inappropriate comment from the vaccinator, IMO.
As for asking about why he hadn't had it earlier-legit question as there may have been a medical reason.

One of the worst things about Covid is how people think it's appropriate to treat each other now - with utter disdain if they have differing views to their own.

It's certainly brought out the true colours of some people.

@EricCartmansUnderpants

And how do you think the government will enforce that? Send the police round and hold them down? A complete breach of human rights. Many many people would not accept that, even those that are vaccinated. Because of the implications it has longer term. I can imagine the riots if the government tried to implement that. It wouldn't be pretty.

No idea, we’ll have to wait and see. Or maybe other countries won’t grant visitor visas to unvaccinated people, and they’ll never be able to leave the country again? Who knows? Time will tell.

[quote Derbee]@XenoBitch you will do what’s right for you. But when people can’t travel, go to the cinema, theatre, festival, restaurants, bars etc etc without proof of vaccine, something will have to give.[/quote]
You clearly have absolutely no understanding of severe phobia.

I have a severe phobia, it’s not of needles so I’ve had my vaccines, but if there was some reason why I had to experience my phobia, no amount of cinema or restaurant bans would make me suddenly able to do it.

I had very severe PND after having DD, and, for me personally, I’d draw a comparison between that and my phobia in the sense that saying “oh just do it” about my phobia would be akin to saying to me “just cheer up” about my PND. I may really really want to. But I can’t.

@llanfairfechan tbf you're not covering your own parents in reflected glory with that post.

He is selfish and you should be ashamed of having a son like that
@llanfairfechan. I've said several times that I agree he's selfish, but I am not ashamed of him. He has the right to his own opinions and I respect that, even if I don't agree with them

No idea, we’ll have to wait and see. Or maybe other countries won’t grant visitor visas to unvaccinated people, and they’ll never be able to leave the country again? Who knows? Time will tell.

Not everyone gives a shiny shit about sunning themselves on cheap package holidays in Spain. Hardly a threat. Depends on what your priorities are. Travelling abroad certainly isn't one of mine. And people can weigh that up for themselves can't they.

“You’re here for your smear test? You’re an idiot for leaving it so late”

I did actually get told how "stupid" It was for leaving my smear so long the last time I went for mine. I wasn't fazed and I agreed as I knew It was.

@SickAndTiredAgain

All the people saying “well I agree with them” how is that relevant? Would you appreciate someone rudely telling you off for something after you had made the good medical decision (as opposed to firmly telling you the consequences of your decisions/actions while still making the bad decision).

“You’re here for your smear test? You’re an idiot for leaving it so late”

There are plenty of people who would say “well I agree with that, truth hurts sometimes”. Doesn’t make it acceptable for someone in that sort of role to say it.

I had a similar comment at my last smear, life got in the way and I put it off. I know it was wrong but I did.

I am due my next, couldn’t fit it in last month when the first month it was due was. I will book it but the risk of judgement again is certainly in the back of my mind.

'A simple injection'? It really isn't for those with a needle phobia.
Or for those with health anxiety about taking medications. I can have blood taken with no issues at all, I don't even need to look away. Injecting something in is different though.

@Thinkbiglittleone

“You’re here for your smear test? You’re an idiot for leaving it so late”

I did actually get told how "stupid" It was for leaving my smear so long the last time I went for mine. I wasn't fazed and I agreed as I knew It was.

I have not had one for well over a decade. A comment like that would have me walking out tbh.

@Thinkbiglittleone

“You’re here for your smear test? You’re an idiot for leaving it so late”

I did actually get told how "stupid" It was for leaving my smear so long the last time I went for mine. I wasn't fazed and I agreed as I knew It was.

That was wholly unprofessional of the person you saw. It was not treating you with respect.

@anniegun

They were right. The healthcare professionals are getting pretty fed up with dealing with the consequences of people not getting vaccinated

No they were absolutely not bloody right at all. It is the responsibility of EVERY health care professional to remain non judgmental when carrying out their duties. If you can’t manage that then find another career preferably one not involving dealing with members of the public. Said by an ex nurse so I am well aware of the difficulties involved. People won’t come forward to get jabbed if they are going to be lectured.

Doing something so you can go to clubs that you wouldn't do to save vulnerable people from dying is a pretty sh*t attitude.

I would put my feelings about this to one side at the point at which someone was actually getting vaccinated.

It's certainly brought out the true colours of some people.

I know, I think it's definitely shocked me, thankfully only with a small minority though, but still shocking.

Absolutely fucking ridiculous ! People have volunteered in all ways to get to where we are today and you think this person should be apologised to ?

Do you struggle with comprehension or are you deliberately making shit up?

I didn’t mention an apology, just that the person needs to be spoken to and told not to make judgemental comments in the future as it may stop people getting further vaccinations. If OPs son doesn’t complain, this person may do more harm than good.

Keep up the comprehension lessons.

I have not had one for well over a decade. A comment like that would have me walking out tbh.

I'm sure that's would be of great benefit to you.

@PooWillyNameChange

I agree that the approach probably won’t encourage people to get vaccinated and is counterproductive, but I also agree with them that he has a selfish attitude…though they probably should have kept their opinion to themselves. You must understand their frustration though, surely?

No I don’t. It’s completely counter productive and as I said above they are going against their professional code of conduct too. Personally I would have told them to mind their own business and reported them for inappropriate comments.

That was wholly unprofessional of the person you saw. It was not treating you with respect.

I disagree, she shown the respect to tell the truth of the situation.

@dontletthemugglesgetyoudownn

I agree he is selfish. However the vaccinator probably shouldn't have mentioned anything

People expecting others to continue to restrict their own lives including sacrificing their mental health, just to appease your anxiety is equally selfish. Every single human being is selfish. Some are just more honest about it than others.

Jesus.

What’s the mortality of this terrifying deadly disease again?

No idea, we’ll have to wait and see. Or maybe other countries won’t grant visitor visas to unvaccinated people, and they’ll never be able to leave the country again? Who knows? Time will tell.

No problem, if I can't go abroad I can't go. I've already spoken to DH about it and he will support me whatever decision I make, even if it means no holidays abroad.