Anti-vaxxers rage at Sydney Local Health District’s Easter Show ticket snub

A simple scheme designed to get more kids vaccinated has sparked controversy after anti-vaxxers accused authorities of “creating a two-tiered society”.

Jake Washington, 5, receives his first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Picture: Julianne Osborne

An incentive to boost the Covid jab rate in kids has sparked controversy after anti-vaxxers lashed out at Sydney Local Health District.

The drama kicked off last week after the organisation announced that children aged five to 11 who receive a Covid shot at the Sydney Olympic Park Vaccination Centre between April 1-18 will score a free ticket to this year’s Royal Easter Show.

“You can book a paediatric Pfizer or Moderna Covid-19 vaccination appointment at the Sydney Olympic Park hub, or just walk-in,” the announcement, posted to Facebook late last week, reads.

“Even though Covid-19 in children is often milder than in adults, it can still cause serious illness. Protecting your kids means helping to protect the rest your family, friends and your community.

Heading to the Sydney Royal Easter Show with the family? Kids aged 5-11 get a FREE ticket when they get vaccinated at...

Posted by NSW Health on Thursday, March 31, 2022

“Winter is coming, so now is the best time to get up to date with your family’s Covid-19 vaccinations.”

Sydney Local Health District chief executive Dr Teresa Anderson also hailed the initiative as a “fantastic way for families to protect their children and the broader community against Covid-19, while saving money and having a great family day out at one of Sydney’s biggest events”.

Jake Washington, 5, receives his first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Picture: Julianne Osborne

The post caused quite a stir, and moderators eventually disabled comments after receiving a deluge of negative reactions.

Aussie woman Evelyn Rae, who has long been a vocal critic of the Government’s vaccine mandates, was one of many to hit out at the scheme on social media.

“Australia is still creating a two-tiered society – this time with our five to 11-year-olds,” she posted on Twitter in response.

“Our poor babies having to grow up with this as normal …”

The Show’s general manager Murray Wilton said NSW Health purchased tickets and would be providing them to children vaccinated at their Sydney Olympic Park vaccination site.

“All children and adults are welcome to the Show regardless of their vaccination status and we can only hope that this disinformation does not discourage guests from visiting what is to be our best Show yet!” Mr Wilton said.

The nation’s leading vaccine advisory group ATAGI now recommends a second booster shot for the vulnerable within the population – including over-65s and people who are immunocompromised – as the cooler months approach and while cases surge.

Just under half of all NSW children aged five to 11 have received their first Covid vaccine so far.