A group of advertising agency and industry leaders launched a campaign to debunk myths about the potential risk associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine.
@TheFactsination initiative wants all Australians to get vaccinated as soon as possible (subject to counsel from their GPs).
Supporters include Dan Monheit, Rose Herceg, Jules Lund, Henry Innis, Kieran Moore, Aden Hepburn and Chris Savage.
Good One Creative is credited on the original @TheFactsination content: “The A to Z of things more likely to kill you than the AZ.”
The @TheFactsination initiative supports the open letter published last week by an alliance of prominent health experts urging Australians to get the AstraZeneca as soon as possible.
The health experts say there is a one in a million chance of dying from the AZ jab, and that the AZ and Pfizer vaccines have a similar profile in preventing severe disease from the COVID-19 Delta variant.
@TheFactsination spokesperson Dan Monheit said: “The risk of a fatal side effect from the AstraZeneca vaccine according to health experts is one in a million.
"The risk of fatality resulting from typical daily activities such as taking a bath, having sex, or walking down the street, are far greater.”
Monheit says @TheFactsination initiative has been built around an Instagram account showcasing the A to Z of ways people are more likely to die (according to internet ‘facts’) than getting an AZ jab, putting the risk into proper perspective.
“Our industry specialises in communication - so we’re calling on all agency leaders, clients, suppliers and colleagues to please help share information that puts the risk into perspective, and encourages those who can, to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” Monheit says.
@Factsination supporter Aden Hepburn said: “Our ask of the industry is super simple. Go to the Instagram account @TheFactsination and share as much as you can over the next few days across all your social channels.
"Ask staff and clients to do the same. Spread the word! Or create and share your own content - tag @TheFactsination so we can pick it up and repost it.”
@TheFactsination supporter Rose Herceg at WPP: “We need to help to put the risk into perspective. There’s only one way out of this - and it’s together.
“We are a powerful industry, and we are calling on the leaders to please use the talent and influence of their teams and businesses to attack vaccine hesitancy due to misinformation. Please, join in and get this done. Share this content far and wide!”
@TheFactsination supporter Henry Innis said: “Health authorities have made it clear - the only way we will get out of lockdowns and severe restrictions, is by 80% of the population being vaccinated. There is ample vaccine available, but many are refusing the AstraZeneca vaccine because of misinformation and unwarranted fear of risk.”
The @TheFactsination team will also be driving a media publicity campaign targeting key journalists, radio and TV hosts, and influencers.
@TheFactsination supporter Kieran Moore said: “Media agencies – please, use your media influence to get the big media companies to support this. PR firms – use your contacts to spread the word. All – tap into your ‘influencer’ networks to attack these myths and misconceptions please. But most importantly, implore your colleagues and friends to separate fact from fiction.
“Together, we can actually help save lives, prevent mental health issues amongst our family, friends and colleagues, save jobs and help Australia and Australians get back to our special way of life."
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.