Crazy reasons some regional Queenslanders are not getting vaccinated

In church circles, there are those who go as far as talking about Covid-19 vaccinations being ‘the mark of the beast’ mentioned in Revelations, and part of one world government moves to control the masses. It’s complete nonsense.

Authorities must be wondering what it will take to get regional Queenslanders to do the right thing and get vaccinated against Covid.

So far we’ve opened up mass vaccination hubs, offered a snag with a jab at Bunnings, and this weekend enlisted Queensland lifesavers to join the calls to arms.

Yet some Queenslanders, many from areas desperate for tourists, just refuse to get vaccinated, instead taking to Facebook to spread misinformation about the vaccines, sprout conspiracy nonsense about what it is all about, and claim governments across the country are attacking our freedoms.

In church circles, there are even those who go as far as talking about it being ‘the mark of the beast’ mentioned in the Book of Revelation and part of one world government moves to control the masses.

It’s complete nonsense.

My father was a missionary who travelled around the world.

He believed in God and in supernatural healing, but he and mum were both smart enough to be vaccinated against diseases when they travelled in places like Africa.

People gather in August for a large protest to rally for freedom of speech, movement, choice, assembly, and health in Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

When swine flu was breaking out in Mexico, and my parents were told they would not be able to return to the United States if they didn’t get a jab, they just got the jab.

There was no talk about ‘an attack on our freedoms’.

They respected the authority of the land, and abided by sensible health advice.

Contrast that with Christians protesting masks and vaccinations at rallies with signs reading ‘Jesus is my vaccine’.

I understand there are people who are generally against vaccinations.

I have good friends who are in that camp.

I respect their right to make up their own mind.

What I don’t like, however, is those who have suddenly become crusaders against Covid vaccinations, based on nothing more than crazy posts swirling on social media.

South Brisbane Vaccination Hub, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Picture: Liam Kidston.

In recent months, I’ve lost count of the number of people who have sent me such ‘revelations’ about vaccinations, including how they will change your DNA.

Please do me a favour. Talk to a doctor and do some fact checking before you send such misinformation on.

Generating fear about vaccines is not helping anyone, especially those most at risk of Covid once Queensland’s borders open.

In Queensland we need to be awake to the reality that when borders are opened there will be cases, and lots of them.

In regional Queensland, where we have had very few cases compared to what has happened in New South Wales, Victoria and overseas, we have become way too laid-back.

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young and Minister Health Yvette D'Ath at the QUT Gardens Point Pop-Up Vaccination Hub.

Walking around a crowded tourist spot in Mooloolaba last night there were so many people not taking any notice of social distancing or mask requirements.

Once we to start to get cases, those environments will become ideal spreading grounds for the virus.

The simple solution to all of this is for 90% of us to get vaccinated, including young people who are among the least vaccinated groups.

I got my first Pfizer jab on the day the Premier finally announced the borders were opening. I didn’t even feel it, while the side effects were limited to a mild headache the next day.

The alternative of ending up in hospital with Covid is far greater.

If you live in regional Queensland, where small businesses is the lifeblood of local employment, think about getting yourself and your family vaccinated this weekend.

Ultimately it’s your choice, no government can take that away from you.

But if it helps open our economy back up, protects local jobs, and you and your family’s health, it might be the best thing you do this year.