There are definitely many vaccine-resistant people in the US. In my 40 (!) years as a nurse, I have never seen such an anti-science attitude in the general public. Of course, this is greatly amplified by bad actors on social media and certain cable news outlets. It’s very sad and creates big problems for people like me who work in health care.

Dear Deb, as your fellow Australian, is there anything I can help you with? I keep very up to date with the corona news as I read the Abc coronavirus blog everyday, and often the AFR one too. While they include all the government announcements they also include reporting from the AMA.
In terms of the info on the vaccine just today there was a quote from the health department saying "In fact it's important that even after you have had the vaccine, if you have cold and flu symptoms, if you are concerned you have COVID-19, you still get a test and isolate at home until you get the result because we still don't know whether these vaccines completely protect against having an infection.

"We know they're exceedingly good, almost 100% good, at preventing hospitalisation, severe disease and death. But we are still learning and are still getting more evidence on whether they prevent infection altogether.

"You will not test positive, but you can still get COVID-19 although you're very protected from severe consequences of COVID-19."

However, would I be right in guessing that your query is related to the AZ vaccine in particular, which the Australian government is now not recommending for those under 50? Would that be the one you would be getting if you got it ?

What is your specific concern? I see that your government has put forth plenty of information on the different vaccines. The World Health Organization also has plenty of resources and data as well. Perhaps your first point of contact should be your medical provider. I think the folks with the Ph D’s are the most suited to chime in. That’s just me.

Sarah DB, Xtbay, Carla, Lisa, and Janet (and others!) expressed my beliefs, thoughts, and feelings on the subject very well.

I am eager to get a vaccination when my turn arrives. (Also in Canada, I have a wait of a few weeks).

I understand vaccine hesitancy; there are historical reasons why people belonging to particular groups may distrust vaccines, and there has been so much information (and misinformation) that it can be difficult to sort through.

But for those of us in North America at least (and much of Europe) the risks of being vaccinated are so much lower than the risks -- no, the real, every day lived consequences of rampant COVID -- that it seems wrong-headed not to opt for vaccination.

The loss of loved ones or acquaintances to the disease itself, the strain it puts on all the health care workers, the loss of loved ones through other diseases left untreated due to hospital overwhelm, the diminished health that many, many people have suffered as a result of not seeking treatment for "minor" issues, the inability to mourn our dead together, the strain on families of working and trying to homeschool -- not out of choice -- in cramped spaces, the danger many have faced in the workplace, the loss of work, the failure of businesses, the loss of income, the reduced quality of education (despite teachers working so very hard!), the cancellation of weddings, graduations, major celebrations of all kinds, the loss of mental health because of the stress, the loss of anything much to look forward to --

Not to mention the restrictions we've all faced —no travel, no visiting with friends and family indoors -- (and very little outdoors -- remember the Canadian climate??), the inability to shop in real stores comfortably, or dine out, or hear live music or go to theatre or attend friends' book launches or go to the gym, or go to conferences for work or see family living in other countries or provinces, --- I could go on and on and on.

And these are the losses for those who managed not to get sick. Those who actually had or have COVID face bigger losses.

Well, I loved Carla's analogy about the 747, but the list above adds to it. This is why people may be crowing and cheering about getting vaccinated. Yes, perhaps some of them erroneously think they will be safe from getting COVID (which they won't). But they will be a lot safer, and if they get it, they are unlikely to get serious illness or die from it. That is a huge difference. And given all they've missed in the last year, they are understandably happy.

Also -- my husband's mother had polio. Had she been vaccinated, she would not have lived with a withered arm (lucky to have her life at all) and she would not have suffered from post-polio syndrome in her later years -- a kind of chronic pain I wouldn't wish on anybody. We forget how effective vaccinations can be when we come close to wiping out a disease. But polio blighted many lives before the vaccine was available.

I thought I’d post this infographic re blood clotting risk from the AZ v covid itself.

I am sorry it has taken so long for me to get back here and I cannot thank you enough for engaging in this conversation.

Firstly, I just want to clarify that I do want the vaccine. And I agree with you all on how important it is to be vaccinated. The main purpose of my question was to understand what, particularly, the US contingent believed to be the effect of the vaccine. I had been reading comments from Americans who were implying that now that they had had the vaccine things would be fine and dandy and they couldn't get COVID and it would all be over (please note this is a very general paraphrasing of their comments) so it got me wondering exactly what messaging was being given. I personally believe we all (providing there is nothing medically stopping us) should be vaccinated against COVID19.

In Australia we are have the AZ Vaccine readily available and yes Anne I am not 100% comfortable receiving that one. I believe we have small amounts of the Phizer available and at the risk of sounding very privileged, that is the vaccine I would prefer, so I will making enquiries regarding that.

Ophelia I am so sorry to hear of the loss of people close to you. In answer to your questions, we have mostly the AZ Vaccine apparently because the Pfizer required refrigeration of some kind and we are not confident we can facilitate the requirements.

Liz that is interesting. We are just rolling out the vaccines here and I haven't heard anything yet in relation to people catching the virus after being vaccinated. I wonder if Anne has heard or read anything.

Slim Cat yes being so isolated from loved ones has been awful. I have seem my mum twice in 12 months.

JAileen You must be looking forward to getting back to your work at the Thrift store and returning to a more normal existance.

Rachylou thank you, food for thought.

Kellygirl Yes I agree with you and that is essentially my understanding too. And I guess it is one of those times when we do have trust people with the experience, knowledge and skills.

SarahD8 Sarah I am with you on continuing to wear masks and practicing social distancing. It is still a requirement here depending on were you are located. I had to pop into the pharmacy the other day to buy something and wore my mask. Not because I was sick but because sick people go the pharmacy It just made sense to protect myself.. and others.

Xtabay thanks for sharing. I don't know much about the Moderna vaccine as I am pretty sure we don't have that one available here.

Phoebe I agree with you, I think masks are now going to be something we carry and use as needed. It's a simple safeguard if we find ourselves in a situation where we may not feel safe i.e. cannot socially distance.

Lisap I don't think there is anything sinister going on or that there is an ulterior motives in relation to the vaccines And in answer to your question, yes I think we have trustworthy public health doctors. The head of the Australian Medical Association sits on the Board of the Organisation I work for and has been in attendance at two Q & A sessions about the vaccines. He has been most informative. In truth, many of the responses from people in those roles seem rehearsed and to a degree superficial... BUT that's an observation and wont stop me from being vaccinated.

Sal I couldn't agree more. We do have a responsibility to one another and as many people as possible being vaccinated is going to make a difference. Certainly here in Australia we have not experienced anything like the US. But I do think that many of us do understand the seriousness and the danger of this disease. While I know of people who don't think it's a big deal, my friendship and family groups have all taken this very seriously and have been and still are very diligently making sure they follow all the advise of our government.

Runcarla I heard that Canada was back in lockdown. I feel for you. We have been in and out ourselves here. I agree with all you say. I think the vaccines will allow us to return to a new normal. And Carla we had the same situation, visitors from out of town being refused service and turned away.

Glory all the best for tomorrow and i hope the oncologist gives you the go ahead.

Elle good to hear the side effects were not too bad and as you say it's a small issue to deal with for the overall outcome.

Janet I think I saw you got your jab today! I am also amazed at people who don't think the vaccine is necessary.

Angie so true. And I am very particular about my information sources. I get my news from the ABC and steer clear of any 'news' reported on social media channels.

Sloper I am not feeling scolded at all. I am very appreciative of hearing everyone's views and experiences. I do hope you are able to receive the vaccine, stay safe.

Catherine thank you for sharing this. Fake news has been very prominent in this pandemic. And I think in some parts, the lack of trust of leadership has impacted as well.

Anne Yes I would be slated to receive the AZ vaccine and at this time I would prefer the option of another. Thank you for sharing too, I appreciate the information you have shared and I agree.

Zapotee absolutely agree the GP would be my first port of call with any questions but just to re clarify I was more interested in the messaging being given in other countries. I have no issue with receiving a vaccine.

Suz as with others comments, much wisdom in yours. I agree with all you shared.

Thank you again, I hope I haven't missed anyone. Not to diminish the seriousness of the topic but this really is a special place, and the opportunity to have this open and respectful conversation is so very much appreciated.

I was very happy to get mine, though fully understand it doesn't mean everything goes back to normal. Maybe ever, we just truly don't know. Nor do I trust that there's no chance I can get Covid. I'll still wear a mask as long as I must, avoid crowds/the gym/ indoor restaurants, wash my hands a lot, and use the hand sanitizer after going inside any building that's not my house.

I do worry about having side effects from my second shot, cause my coworkers did. Just planning to take the rest of the day off and maybe the next.

I am a leukemia patient who has spent the last year trying not to die from a virus or infection, so my quarantine has been total and complete. My husband and I desperately wanted the vaccine not only to safeguard us from negative consequences of the virus, but to return to some semblance of normalcy. Now fully vaccinated, with a two-week waiting period behind us, we have begun carefully and safely venturing out. Had lunch with my vaccinated son and his girlfriend for the first time in over a year, and hugged them both. I couldn’t stop smiling the entire day. Went window shopping with my sister (also vaccinated) and we hugged for the first time in 13 months. The vaccine is giving me my life back and I couldn’t be more grateful. I trust my doctor and I trust science, and I sincerely hope others will do the same.

I have had both shots of the Pfizer and felt huge relief that now if I do get COVID, it may not be the death sentence that it was. Our area has not opened up much. Masks are still worn, hands washed, precautions everywhere and a peaking of new cases, but no deaths and mostly young people getting the virus. I felt that I had to trust the science. Many seem to feel that they can return to preCovid behaviors after getting the vaccine.
It sounds like travel will depend more on recent testing than having the shot. Good question. There has been lots in the local news about several in Colorado getting a bad reaction to J&J recently.

I totally understand where you are coming from.lts very difficult for an individual to way up risk/benefit paticularly if you have a choice of vaccine.Here in the UK are only choice (unless you are one of the privileged few )has been,take it or not,which in a way makes it easier l guess.
All medications carry a risk of rare side effects.Maybe you take painkillers on occasion or the like.lf you read all the possible things that could go wrong even with these you probably would never take another pill in your life!But we regularly take otc medication without thinking about it.The thing to consider is the risk of catching COVID versus the risks of having the vaccine.Age and ill health are the two biggest risk factors for an adverse outcome from COVID so if you are over 50 and/or have underlying health factors the risk/benefit ratio tips in favour of the vaccine without a doubt.lt becomes a lot harder for the very young who probably wouldn’t suffer too much from COVID but are putting themselves at a very tiny risk of harm from the vaccine..Hence the suspension of the AZ vaccine for the under 30s in the UK.
l would have preferred the Pfizer purely based on the efficacy against the newer variants compared to the AZ.l didn’t get a choice and actually had my first dose of the AZ the day after the UK authorities confirmed the blood clot risk.The data did not put me off.l am in my 50s.
My husband also had this vaccine.
He had no side effects whatsoever ever.l however have been unwell as if I had caught flu for a week after the vaccine.This is something that l feel people need to take into account and make sure that they can rest and not have to work/book commitments in the few days after the jab.
My reaction is not uncommon following the AZ jab,l have not heard of people reacting in the same way to the other jabs we have in the UK but then l only know about my friends,l am not a fan of social media reports as a way of judging as obviously only people who have side effects tend to post!
l hope this helps.

There's already been a lot said but to Deborah's question about what laypeople in the US have been told: most of the messaging has been around getting your vaccine as soon as it's available to you, and continuing to wear masks and socially distance. The CDC has said that fully immunized people are OK to gather unmasked with small groups of other fully immunized people in their homes, and that fully immunized people can travel. That was a week or two ago, and just yesterday the CDC head was talking about the surge in Michigan and other places in the midwest and how infections are rising sharply. So it's really a day-by-day situation and different parts of the country continue to be impacted differently over time.

As far as what you're told when you literally get the vaccine, in my experience nothing except maybe about side effects. I got mine at a mass event for health care system employees; my parents got theirs at a mass immunization event held in a football stadium. My brother and sister-in-law are going to get theirs at a local vaccination site that I've volunteered at; it's in an empty storefront at the mall and is basically a 'drive-thru': you come at your appointment time, they check your ID etc. and give you a vaccination card, you get the shot, and you sit for 15 minutes to make sure you don't have an adverse reaction. The priority in most places has been to set up the most high-volume systems possible to get as many people vaccinated as quickly and safely as we can. At the actual vaccination site there's no conversation about percentages of protection or such; that's up to the individual to learn about (or not).

The halting of giving out the J&J vaccine is probably for the best until they figure out what's going on, but I really hope it won't push more people into vaccine hesitancy. As a sort-of scientist, I think it's funny that the traditional vaccine is the one causing the dangerous side effects, but the mRNA vaccines haven't been.

Re side effects of the shot, I got Pfizer and after the first shot I felt like crap pretty quickly (had a one hour drive home and it was not fun), basically felt like I had the flu for about 36 hours, headache, shivers, etc. I was afraid the second shot would be worse but it wasn't really that bad, just a bit achy and more tired than normal. My parents got the Moderna and their side effects were much milder (anecdotally that seems to be the case; the younger you are the more severe the reaction, probably because the immune response is stronger). I don't know anyone personally who's gotten the J&J.

I obviously have an extremely youthful immune system then!At least that’s what I say to my husband who didn’t even have the decency to get a sore arm!

Deborah, I hear you on the relative risk of the AZ, though I think Rachy's graphic is on point to that. Having said that -- I am in limbo myself. I could, technically, got to the pharmacy and get AZ tomorrow. But for the moment I am waiting because my age group is likely to be called up for Pfizer/ Moderna in a week or two and since I have curtailed my life so radically, I see no one indoors except my now-vaccinated husband (and our child, who sees very few others due to our restrictions) -- so I'm neither at risk nor putting others at risk by waiting a week or two. But if the wait turns out to be longer due to supply issues with the Pfizer/ Moderna, I am definitely going for the AZ. I have several friends from mid 50s to mid-60s who have taken it and although some had some side effects, all is otherwise well and they feel good for having done their civic duty.

One other thing about the US - I don’t know about other countries - but people are so ready to get out and not prepared at all to hear about doom and gloom. People may be well informed, but the desire to be free may be overwhelming. Frankly this is true in many areas... my current gripe is people in my town trying to build their way out of climate crisis. We’ve got an inflatable dam now because we don’t have enough water: increasing water consumption is a total non-starter.

What a great topic!
I am fully vaccinated, for several months now. My new job put me in the first tier for eligibility. That being said, I am still for the most part, living my quarantine life. I always wear a mask around other people. I rarely do anything non-essential that is not outside. The CDC has given out new guidelines for those fully vaccinated. They are mostly small, indoor, maskless gatherings. So many of my friends see their vaccination as a ticket to go back to "normal". I just don't see it that way, especially knowing what is going on in the rest of the world.

I will add my perspective as Israel is ahead of the pack in terms of vaccinations. My entire family (me, DH, 18 yr old son, twin 16 yr old daughters) are fully vaccinated with Pfizer. My husband is working in a tech/medical company with many doctors and he is up to date with a lot of technical medical literature regarding vaccines and he is very pro-vaccine.

A great majority of 16+ adults in Israel are vaccinated and the Covid numbers are currently plummeting. Things are opening up, major holidays have passed and things are still going well.
There are vaccine hold outs, and yes, I do have a problem with that.
Yes, there could be unknown long term effects from the vaccine, but there are definitely long term unknown effects from getting Covid.
Even if one thinks they could weather the storm, the vaccine has been shown to greatly reduce transmission. I do think it is a matter of social responsibility to not pass on a potentially deadly disease if possible.
(And just to carry out a morbid thought experiment, at this point any long term effects of the vaccine are going to affect a huge chunk of society. Not sure I want to be the survivor in that case.)

That’s great Shevia, we have read in NZ about how far Israel is on with your vaccination programme, I have to say with some jealousy! I was aware that Pfizer had an agreement in your country to use their vaccine widely. I agree with Sal and Anne and Deborah that in our countries we probably can’t really understand what it has been like for those in the US, Canada and UK where there have been so many deaths.
Unfortunately our roll-out in NZ is behind schedule. We want to be vaccinated in large measure because we have pretty much been trapped inside our borders for a year, and we are so much a country of travellers. It doesn’t mean we would all rush off to the Covid-ravaged countries immediately but many of us have family in other countries ( especially Australia) who we are desperate to see.
I was supposedly, as a primary care doctor, meant to be in the second tranche in March I think, but I finally got an appointment yesterday and couldn’t get there quickly enough. I got Pfizer which is the main one available here, with some slowness of roll-out due to the difficulty of the freezing requirements. I only have a bit of a sore arm so far.

Debs, glad to hear it! FB is particularly good at spreading the wrong information.

Shevia, Israel gives me HOPE!

Deb, I have not heard of any one in as Australia getting the virus after full vaccination. But then hardly anyone is getting covid at all here, so the sample size is so small.

It doesn't look like there's much personal experience of AZ here on the list.

I have been so disappointed in so many Americans (said as one myself). There are so many anti-vaxxers and covid deniers here - especially in more rural areas - that it sickens me. Covid numbers are rising, exponentially in some places, and things are NOT safe yet. My own sister (who is older than I am and has asthma) doesn't take covid seriously and refuses to be vaccinated.

We have never been told that having the vaccination gives a person a free pass, but people are definitely using it that way. I've had both shots and am two weeks past my second dose (Moderna), and I am living the same as before - fully masked, not traveling, not dining out. I teach, and that's risk enough. But the grocery store here is filled with people wearing no mask, just looking for a confrontation, so I drive 45 minutes to get groceries in a county/city that still observes health protocols.

What the vaccine is allowing me to do is to see my (vaccinated) 82 year old mum, whom I haven't seen since August (when we could both quarantine for two weeks prior to seeing one another). As others have said, I am looking to help flatten the curve. The vaccination may potentially keep me from catching covid, but more importantly, I am less likely to die if I do contract it. I am less likely to pass it to others, and I am less likely to burden the healthcare system. Nothing is a guarantee, and no vaccination is 100% effective, but I am doing my part to reduce the risk to myself and others.

As others have said, while this particular vaccination might be new, the technology behind it has been studied extensively. I trust the science. I am disappointed about the miniscule risk with the J&J shot, as I fear it will make more people hesitant to have their shot. But the risks of blood clots from other causes is so much higher that I can hardly believe we are suspending the shot for 6 cases out of 7 million or more. Overall, the entire pandemic has allowed me to see a side of people I just wish I had not seen.

Living in Germany, following European and US news sources, I have a very clear impression that the Americans latched onto the idea of a vaccine early and held tight. The fact that some in the US refused both masks and vax is vexing.

My son and I got the J&J while we were in the US recently. Here in Germany, we probably wouldn’t get the vaccine until the end of summer. My parents and most of my other relatives have all been vaccinated. I believe this is why my parents felt comfortable with all 12 of us, across 3 generations, hanging out at their house. But truth be told, there was really only one evening when we were all under their roof. Otherwise we were hanging out on the lanai, which is screened above & all around, at the beach, or going out to eat (twice) in places with high ceilings and tables spaced far apart.

For now, my son will follow the same protocols at school as before. By this summer, we hope to be able to go on college tours in the US. That depends more on them reopening than it does on us having received vaccines though.

Also - Deb you may have already seen this, but the ABC coronavirus blog had a Q & A session today about vaccinesm with lots of details on AZ. I suspect you may find your answer about getting an alternative vaccine there (and that you won't like it, I'm afraid,)
https://www.abc.net.au/news/20...../100070070

There's more details about the blood clotting issue for others who may be interested - it appears that the comparisons to other blood clotting causes are not straight forward.

Anne ... you prompted me to read what’s coming out about blood clotting and the vaccines... some similarities with death by heparin, which um basically killed my dad. Am rather glad I got the Pfizer and that I know that sort of family history...

Ooh, that is tough, Rachy. So sorry about your Dad.

Thank you, Anne. It was a long time ago now, but it was rough.

Rachy, it's tricky for you, and I'm sending lots of good vibes. I can't remember whether you've had your first jab?

RL, sending good wishes for sailing through the whole vaccine process!

Deb, I didn’t go through the paywall, but this article might interest you. https://www.bostonglobe.com/20.....newsletter

Thanks Angie, FI for the good vibes. As of yesterday, I’m officially through my whole course of the Pfizer, two-week waiting period included. I am absolutely convinced though it’s not enough and will be wearing a mask for the rest of my life... will maybe cut back to one mask... maybe not, lol. At the very least, I will now start reading all the YA plague and zombie genre books... my latest pins on Pinterest are not clothes but how to make a solar oven out of a pizza box, haha!

YAY. Rachy, I hope no side effects with jab #2. We go for jab #2 on April 28. Also Pfizer. We will continue to mask up and socially distance after that too.