Vaccinated heroes on Facebook

[Peaceiseveryrhing]

Why do those that have decided to have the vaccine feel the need to take to Facebook and document the fact?

They’ve had an injection, not saved a family of 5 from a burning building. I just don’t get it.

I don’t object to this. It has been proven to increase uptake amongst those who are unsure whether to take the vaccine.

Because it normalises the vaccine and shows others who might have doubts that lots of people have done it and are ok. The more needles get in arms the better.

I like it, like a pp says, it normalises vaccination and let's people see that vaccinations are happening!

In my case, because it's been a hell of a year of turning up to work with inadequate PPE and being scared all the time. The vaccine was a first step out of that, and an enormous relief. I tend to share emotionally-important life-stuff with my friends on FB (plus a lot of puppy pictures!)

Also, I am aware that there is good evidence for other vaccines that the more having them is normalised and seen as the 'default' option then the higher uptake is. I'm known in my friendship group as the science/research geek. I had the vaccine mid-Jan, so before most of my friends. Posting that I had the vaccine both helped normalise it, and opened a useful discussion about vaccine safety.

I think it’s great, I’m so happy for everyone who posts. It’s not likely that they think they’ve done something heroic, is it? I mean nearly half the population has had one now. They’re just delighted a good thing is happening after a shitty year.

And if you’re sneering because you’re a FB expert anti-vaxxer, the people posting are protecting you by moving us towards herd immunity.

I put it on to let people know I've been vaccinated, end of, no more no less. Many of my friends are Asian and concerned about the vaccine so normalising is very important

Considering the utter shite most people put on facebook, telling your friends and family you've had a vaccine comes near the top in terms of worthy postings.

what Ifailed said.

It’s a positive thing you can do for your community so I can see why people do it

The posts I am seeing aren’t ‘yay me, I am a hero for getting the vaccine’, they’re relieved and grateful to everyone who made it possible.

I like seeing these posts. I love it in fact. It gives me hope

Because it’s a morale boost. Everyone needs to see a way out.

Because there are too many brainless idiots that are refusing to be vaccinated. They need to see how many disagree with them.

I usually hate thugs like that, when people change their pic for things. But this is actually useful because hopefully it will make others want the vaccine.

I like seeing friends or relatives finally getting the vaccine.

And, how is this different to posting about a new job you just got, or how little Olivia won the gold star at school this week?

That’s what Facebook is used for. Exciting news for you that not everyone might care about.

I like it

I had my yesterday and I did post about it. I wasn’t expecting to feel emotional about it but I did and so I wanted to post. Plus it made a nice break from pictures of my dog.

I have a few people I’m close to who are being ridiculous reluctant about getting vaccinated so I suppose I did want to normalise it a bit, but mostly it just felt like a big day and I was happy and felt lucky and grateful.

Tbh OP I think a more interesting question would be why these posts annoy you. What is it about them that makes you feel negative rather than happy that your FB contacts (who presumably you care about) are now a little bit safer?

A fb friend posted she had called into a vaccination centre on the off chance and they had spares. Posting this encourages others to try this or have the vaccine. It's also saying look I've had it and I'm fine.

My Facebook picture says I've had the vaccine.
It doesn't say I'm a hero or that it's heroic to have had it. I don't know any one who has said or hinted at that.

But yes on SM I have said I've had the vaccine. I said I was very happy to have had it, and that it was a very smooth process.

Because that's true for me.

It means I can return to work (I teach) feeling a little more protected.

I'm a huge supporter of the vaccine programme and I am happy for that to be known.

If people post about it, it becomes a much more normalised process. It takes away any of the silliness you get from some of the anti vaccine comments. It shows that most people having it have no real issues, except maybe a day of feeling rubbish whilst their immune system kicks in.

@Peaceiseveryrhing

Why do those that have decided to have the vaccine feel the need to take to Facebook and document the fact?

They’ve had an injection, not saved a family of 5 from a burning building. I just don’t get it.

I think it's pretty aggravating for all the people who haven't managed to get vacccinated yet and are desperate to, when people are posting about it on social media despite being younger than the age you are officially supposed to be able to get vaccinated from.

I know some peope have underlying health conditions but some of the people you see crowing about their vaccinations have never shown any sign of this and show no sensitivity to the fact them getting vaccinated at 50 say will be upsetting for the 54s yet to receive an invite. I'm getting mine on Monday btw so it no longer bothers me but friends of mine are irritated on a daily basis.

Vaccine envy is real.

@ThrowingAShellstrop

Because it’s a morale boost. Everyone needs to see a way out.

Because there are too many brainless idiots that are refusing to be vaccinated. They need to see how many disagree with them.

Brainless idiots. Most of the responses are sensible, it would appear that your's is not only offensive to those not wanting the vaccine, but arguably brainless. There's no need to drag a thread down to your guttural level.

When my Nanna got it in the really early stages of the vaccination program I posted on Facebook because it was an emotional event and I was so grateful she had been given this vaccine. When the program started it was looking like the light at the end of a very long tunnel. People may not have saved a family of 5 from a burning building, but we are all playing a part now in helping to beat this virus and have some sort of normality restored. Not heroes, no, but absolutely part of a wider picture which should be acknowledged without judgement.

@CavernousScream

I think it’s great, I’m so happy for everyone who posts. It’s not likely that they think they’ve done something heroic, is it? I mean nearly half the population has had one now. They’re just delighted a good thing is happening after a shitty year.

And if you’re sneering because you’re a FB expert anti-vaxxer, the people posting are protecting you by moving us towards herd immunity.

You're making a lot of assumptions there my angel.

By the way, having the vaccine doesn't stop you getting coronavirus or passing it on.

I get genuine joy and happiness from knowing that friends, family and acquaintances have had the vaccine. I thought it would just be in the early weeks (healthcare SIL, many healthcare friends and a 95 year old grandma) but it’s still going, even though well over half of my contacts have had their first now and plenty have had the second. I’m thrilled.

I think it's a bit knobbish to be honest, I don't get why they are giving a sticky badge out when you are vacinnated what are people children.