Anti-vax massage clinic bans vaccinated clients

A Queensland massage therapy clinic is refusing to accept clients who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, for fear the therapists could get sick while treating people who are ‘shedding’ the virus.

Anti-vaccination sentiment is growing among wellness and alternative therapy groups. Picture: Christopher Chan

A Queensland massage therapy clinic is refusing to accept clients who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, claiming the therapists could get sick while treating people who are “shedding” the virus.

Anti-vaccination sentiment is growing among wellness and alternative therapy groups, despite the government’s attempts to reassure the public.

Jimboomba Massage and Wellness Clinic, about 50km south of Brisbane, has displayed a sign on their shopfront, telling people they won’t accept people who have received the “experimental vaccines”.

The sign said the decision was made after consulting with health professionals and their insurance company who had advised that their therapists “won‘t be covered if they get sick”.

“The unknown health effects of the mRNA vaccine are not covered by our liability, and we also have to take into consideration reported side effects such as viral shedding, seizures, interruption to menstrual cycles and death,” the statement read.

Burnet Institute epidemiologist Mike Toole dismissed the clinic’s claims, but said these kind of anti-vaccination attitudes were “not uncommon” in the wellness industry.

“They have their own theories, and they’re not based on any scientific evidence.

“It is totally ridiculous,” he said.

Australian Association of Massage Therapists CEO Rebecca Barnett said the association was concerned about the growth of misinformation.