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Original poster

Arguments amongst friends over the vaccine

156 replies

janicewheeler · 30/12/2021 14:14

Is anyone else's friendship group starting to see a divide regarding the vaccine ?
I've noticed it between my close friend circle. Out of 10 of us only 4 are vaccinated. The other 6 are dead against it for their own beliefs. Which is fine. But it's really starting to bubble over recently I've noticed. I'm worrying that this is just the beginning for a massive divide in society. Being labelled a sheep and worse than the government for being vaccinated... or that anyone who has had Pfizer will be dead within 3 years.

It's got to the point I don't want to tell anyone I've got my booster booked in!!

OP posts:
GreenWhiteViolet · 30/12/2021 14:26

I'm seeing something of a divide, but not arguments so much. I don't know whether many people I know are vaccinated or not. There are a couple who are very pro-vaccine in an authoritarian way and I just avoid talking to them about it because I know it'll lead to an argument. Otherwise I find that online debates are much more polarised - in person people tend to respect others' choices more, even if they disagree, or just not to care so much about it.

Excitedforthefuture · 30/12/2021 14:28

Thankfully know

All got the vaccine
All on same page
Probably why we are all such good friends

Excitedforthefuture · 30/12/2021 14:28

Thankfully NO I meant to say

XenoBitch · 30/12/2021 14:29

I have lost one friend over it (called me a "selfish cunt" and all other manner of abuse), and another who wont shut up about it. I am keeping my distance from him now.
The rest of my friends don't care, and it doesn't come up in conversation at all.

Sirzy · 30/12/2021 14:29

To be honest I would be distancing myself from any “friends” who were coming out with the sheep like comments.

Deciding not be be vaccinated is one thing, being and idiot towards those who are vaccinated is another

Excitedforthefuture · 30/12/2021 14:29

* Being labelled a sheep and worse than the government for being vaccinated... or that anyone who has had Pfizer will be dead within 3 years. *

Could be a time for a friendship cull OP

I can’t imagine wanting to have a friendship with someone who spouts nonsense like this

WindyState · 30/12/2021 14:31

Thankfully one one of my friends turned out to be an anti-vax lunatic, and we weren't that close to start with.

WindyState · 30/12/2021 14:31

*only one

foxgoosefinch · 30/12/2021 14:33

Pretty much all of my friends are scientists, medics, journalists, academics and otherwise highly educated, so I don’t have this problem - they’ve all had their vaccines, the medics have had them early, lots of the scientists actually do volunteer jabbing.

However, if you know some people who hold antivax opinions, I’d just keep quiet while they’re sounding off, avoid getting drawn into any discussion, and suddenly have to nip off the thread to the loo or doorbell if anyone asks you directly. Maybe tell them you’re having a new year “social media detox” so you can avoid the worst of it.

Sorry OP, it sounds a pain. Flowers

Stichintime · 30/12/2021 14:34

I have a few friends I may not see again because they are not vaccinated. Not because of arguements, but because I dont want to end up infecting them and visa versa. Its sad but thats their choice. If they miss out on seeing old friends because of their choice, thats a consequence they have obviously decided is worth the pay off.

SwedishEdith · 30/12/2021 14:34

I wouldn't be friends with people like that. I have one friend I know is unvaccinated. We've talked about it in a calm way, with no name calling. And then we talk about other things. Your friends sound a little dim so, for that reason, I'd be distancing myself from them.

samyeagar · 30/12/2021 14:35

I pretty much won't engage in covid related discussions with anyone outside of forums. In real life, a significant portion of the people I know still think a positive test is a death sentence, so pretty much the opposite of actual meaning of anti-vaxxers. I just tend not to suffer fools who refuse to have a tempered reasonable discussion.

itwasntaparty · 30/12/2021 14:36

I don't know anyone who isn't vaccinated, my friends and I share the same views about most things.

nojudgementhere · 30/12/2021 14:38

No, my friendship group's not seeing a divide but then I think I tend to be attracted to people who are open minded and respectful of different opinions. I would never push my views on them and would hope for the same courtesy back. We do try not to discuss Covid though as it's getting bloody boring!

Original poster
janicewheeler · 30/12/2021 14:38

It's just a shame because we've all known each other a long time and get on so well usually! But whenever Covid gets brought up it turns abit passive aggressive... there is one ring leader and he is very dismissive of anyone else opinions and uses 🤣🤣🤣🤣

OP posts:
PAFMO · 30/12/2021 14:39

Nope. Not among mine. Friends or family.
Dh has some anti-vax workmates though and his brother has fallen out with one of their BILs over masks.

ellenpartridge · 30/12/2021 14:41

None of my good friends are anti vax and I actually can only think of one or two more peripheral friends who have ever really expressed any type of anti Vax views so no it hasn't caused any issues in my friendship circle.

savagebaggagemaster · 30/12/2021 14:41

Some of my colleagues are against having the vaccine. They also don't wear masks and ignored social distancing when it was in place.
I just cannot view them in the same light. Same with those who voted for Brexit.
My friends were all happy to have the vaccine which I'm very glad about.

UserBot99 · 30/12/2021 14:41

I think it's a real shame too. I've seen a bit of this and my friend's SIL is not speaking to her, I cannot understand it.

But then on another thread here to track ''the source'' of the covid, I was told to ''fuck off'' because I said it was ridiculous to track the source, it's awash in the community. So I don't know how I'd feel if somebody was that aggressive to my face!

I'm vaxxed and boosted but no way would I lose a precious friend over a decision that is theirs

People should value their friendships more. Maybe they have more friends than they need!

BertieQueen · 30/12/2021 14:44

No problems here either. Everyone is respecting everyone’s choice. Doesn’t get brought up anymore now everyone knows where everyone stands.

Tee20x · 30/12/2021 14:44

I don't see why you would be arguing with someone over something like this. Some people want the vaccine, others don't. Fine.

Obviously if they're calling you names etc that's different and I'd question the basis of the friendship to begin with but I wouldn't dream of falling out with friends due to differences in medical opinions.

Original poster
janicewheeler · 30/12/2021 14:46

This is it, it's about people not respecting each other's wishes ! If you don't want the vaccine then that's fine but don't make me feel like a mug for having it ! Keep your opinion to yourself ! And I think it's a disgrace to laugh and call it a cold when so many people have lost loved ones from it. It might present as a cold for some or alot of people but some people it puts them on a ventilator and kills them. Don't be so insensitive

OP posts:
alloalloallo · 30/12/2021 14:46

No.

We’ve all kind of mutually decided to ban the subject of vaccinations/masks/restrictions/etc.

I know most of them have had jabs, and we all seem to be mostly on the same page from the little we’ve talked about it.

I have 1 colleague at work who is a full on anti-vaxxer, but I don’t have to work closely with him and I’ve made it clear that I’m not up for any kind of discussion with him. He can do what he likes, but I’m not listening to him bang on about it.

Original poster
janicewheeler · 30/12/2021 14:48

Can I just say. I have not argued with anyone ! I've tended to be very neutral about it all and agree with let each other have their own beliefs. But I have had to tell people to stop arguing about it today and stop shutting each other down as it's starting to Piss me off

OP posts:
Flapjacker48 · 30/12/2021 14:50

Anti vaxers are airheads.