Question for people who are so anti-vaccine

[User135644]

Whether people choose to take the vaccine or not is up to them, that's not what i'm interested in.

But you get people who are so against the Covid vaccines, yet are also vehemently anti-lockdown and any restrictions (i.e. the rabble in London the other day, spreading anti-vax rhetoric all over the city while doing their best William Wallace impressions 'freedom').

Do these people not realise that without vaccines we'd still massively be up shit creek without a paddle (as many countries still are)? We'd likely still be in lockdown with the Indian variant particularly causing many deaths among the elderly and vulnerable. Therefore, whether you choose to take the vaccine or not, are you not at least glad at the effect they've had on suppressing the virus?

Our government have handled Covid so badly that the vaccines have been a literal life saver for thousands of people. We'd be fucked right now without them. Be grateful.

You do realise that people standing up for what they believe in has always been in this countries culture.

With out the protests we would just be a nation of sleep walkers being dictated to.

Protesting about what you believe in is good regardless what its about.

@steakandcheeseplease

You do realise that people standing up for what they believe in has always been in this countries culture.

With out the protests we would just be a nation of sleep walkers being dictated to.

Protesting about what you believe in is good regardless what its about.

Not sure that answers the question, but, yes, they're entitled to their free speech.

I'm so interested to see these answers.

My Government did the opposite - handled COVID amazingly but vaccine program terribly (Australia). Until the State Premiers have stepped up to take over from our Prime Minister.

We've seen here big vaccine complacency by 60+, to the extend that age groups have decreased to 40+ in some states. At least the latest Melbourne lockdown seems to be breaking through this complacency.

I would also add, if international travel was restricted to vaccinated people only, would that force you to have it? I'm very pro this approach.

Interested to see these answers too. Am I right in thinking you mean people who believe that a vaccine never should have been developed in the first place?

I wont be having the vaccine (not an anti-vaxxer either), but I have many friends who were shielding etc that have been very grateful to have it, and I am so happy for them. It is a good thing that the people at most risk from Covid are now protected.

I was never against lockdown per se, more some measures made no sense whatsoever, and the police overreach in some areas was disgusting. What I was very much against was not being allowed to see other people, even outside. I live alone, and the isolation and my usual ways to maintain my mental health being made illegal took a huge toll on me to the point I tried to opt out of life in the worse way. But hey, that would not have been a Covid death so would not have mattered.

I would also add, if international travel was restricted to vaccinated people only, would that force you to have it? I'm very pro this approach

Can't do much if individual countries make it a condition of entry, and that is something I would agree with anyway. It would not twist my arm though as international travel is not my thing.

Yeah I would like to see the answer too OP. I know people vehemently anti vax and full on COVID denier non mask wearing, I do what I Like, every death is anything but COVID tell me vaccine not necessary as there is no COVID now etc. Well surely the vaccine is the very reason why COVID is less of an issue now.

'But you get people who are so against the Covid vaccines, yet are also vehemently anti-lockdown and any restrictions (i.e. the rabble in London the other day, spreading anti-vax rhetoric all over the city while doing their best William Wallace impressions 'freedom').'

It is fascinating isn't it. Bet they're all mask refusers too.

I have an FB friend who is anti-vacc anti-lockdown. He genuinely believes that his opinion is based upon thorough research. He is entirely distrusting of anything that he considers mainstream, so actually places more trust on the research that is not peer reviewed, or that which has been rejected by more recognised sources of expertise.

We can sit and laugh at these people, but their complete lack of ability for rational thinking is far more common than we'd like to acknowledge. How have we ended up with such an abysmal government? Because many people can't critically analyse beyond three word catchphrases.

'We can sit and laugh at these people, but their complete lack of ability for rational thinking is far more common than we'd like to acknowledge.'

Yes it has been quite incredible. The opinions even just on mn. Mask refusers, vaccine refusers, flouters, people going on about nazis and civil liberties yet wanging on that 'the government should be doing MORE!!!'

Covid was less of an issue this time last year and through the summer due to the wave being over and that was without vaccines.
Absolutely agree that those vulnerable like the flu should get vaccinated but the balance of risk for the rest of the population and the fact that whilst transmission may be reduced it doesn’t stop makes many think twice

@Nerdygirl

Covid was less of an issue this time last year and through the summer due to the wave being over and that was without vaccines. Absolutely agree that those vulnerable like the flu should get vaccinated but the balance of risk for the rest of the population and the fact that whilst transmission may be reduced it doesn’t stop makes many think twice

but did you not see what then followed in autumn/winter?

How have we ended up with such an abysmal government? Because many people can't critically analyse beyond three word catchphrases

This. So much.

'The poster you're criticising has just told you that she tried to commit suicide'

I do apologise I didn't read 'opting out' as that. xenobitch.

Still, I stand by my other comment that it's just as well millions are having the vaccine to allow restrictions to be lifted and everyone's mental health to improve.

I didn't go to the march

Some friends did. They are my parents age group and vaccinated. The anti vax rhetoric is really annoying.

Being anti vaccine ID is not the same as being anti vax.

Please see past the soundbites. A vaccine is not going to make the government remove lockdown. It is excellent protection, or as much as we can get, for the people who want it.

But if you can't see how the goalposts have changed on lockdown, do look at a timeline. I don't enjoy looking at the news either but it is worth doing sometimes.

I find it fascinating too! I was on a thread asking if people were taking advantage of the free LFTs & testing once/twice a week.

There were people saying no, no way we needed to get back to normal and I'm thinking well if everyone tested and then isolated or had a PCR test then we would get back to normal because it would massively cut down transmission!

I just don't get it! 🤷‍♀️

@TeamRick

I find it fascinating too! I was on a thread asking if people were taking advantage of the free LFTs & testing once/twice a week.

There were people saying no, no way we needed to get back to normal and I'm thinking well if everyone tested and then isolated or had a PCR test then we would get back to normal because it would massively cut down transmission!

I just don't get it! 🤷‍♀️

I know!

It has been a bizarre situation, so many understandably have mh problems because of restrictions yet they don't want to partake in measures to control it.

What would they suggest, I'm all ears! I bet it's 'enough is enough/ it's only old people who die anyway/ Johnson has got messy hair' or similar.

@FflosFfantastig

Interested to see these answers too. Am I right in thinking you mean people who believe that a vaccine never should have been developed in the first place?

In part, yeah. People who are so negative and against the vaccines (usually the most anti-lockdown types). Yet where would we be without the vaccines? Fucked and probably pushing 200k deaths by now.

Thank you @MargaretThatcherMilkSnatcher

@JaniieJones I have pre-existing mental health issues anyway, worsened by the measures (oddly enough, some of my friends with MH issues found their symptoms were alleviated). My issues also make getting the vaccine incredibly difficult for me.

@TeamRick

I find it fascinating too! I was on a thread asking if people were taking advantage of the free LFTs & testing once/twice a week.

There were people saying no, no way we needed to get back to normal and I'm thinking well if everyone tested and then isolated or had a PCR test then we would get back to normal because it would massively cut down transmission!

I just don't get it! 🤷‍♀️

I don't go anywhere so what is the point of me doing LFTs?

Well in your case Xeno there isn't but I am physically going to work for the odd day, meeting friends in the pub etc so it makes sense to test.

If I was just at home & not going anywhere I wouldn't test either but I'm not sure what your point is?

It's the people that are going out and about but not testing 'because we need to get back to normal' I was talking about!

@TeamRick

Well in your case Xeno there isn't but I am physically going to work for the odd day, meeting friends in the pub etc so it makes sense to test.

If I was just at home & not going anywhere I wouldn't test either but I'm not sure what your point is?

It's the people that are going out and about but not testing 'because we need to get back to normal' I was talking about!

I know people who wont take them as they can not afford to isolate if the test comes up positive.

'have pre-existing mental health issues anyway, worsened by the measures (oddly enough, some of my friends with MH issues found their symptoms were alleviated). My issues also make getting the vaccine incredibly difficult for me.'

I'm sorry to hear that Xeno, please believe me I do have empathy for those with genuine mh problems, exacerbated by this horrible last year.

Sadly though many people want it both ways. End restrictions however don't want to have to have to test or vaccinate. Why? I just cannot understand how the clear link is not apparent, the only way to keep it under control is by vaccinating and keeping testing. To not do either would seem selfish which is not a popular word on mn, true nonetheless.

@XenoBitch

I wont be having the vaccine (not an anti-vaxxer either), but I have many friends who were shielding etc that have been very grateful to have it, and I am so happy for them. It is a good thing that the people at most risk from Covid are now protected.

I was never against lockdown per se, more some measures made no sense whatsoever, and the police overreach in some areas was disgusting. What I was very much against was not being allowed to see other people, even outside. I live alone, and the isolation and my usual ways to maintain my mental health being made illegal took a huge toll on me to the point I tried to opt out of life in the worse way. But hey, that would not have been a Covid death so would not have mattered.

I would also add, if international travel was restricted to vaccinated people only, would that force you to have it? I'm very pro this approach

Can't do much if individual countries make it a condition of entry, and that is something I would agree with anyway. It would not twist my arm though as international travel is not my thing.

I’m genuinely sorry to hear that and I hope you are in a much better place Yes ..what was done to people living alone young and old alike was inhumane and I would never forgive the snitches and curtain twitchers Never!