Industry figures are leading the way in getting vaccinated against COVID-19, many of them announcing the occasion of double vax via social media. AdNews asked them about their motivation and experiences.
Taufiq Zainal, MediaCom Senior Digital Investment Executive:
When the opportunity to book an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine became available to me, I booked myself in without hesitation. I happily received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a NSW Health vaccination clinic. Any nervousness I felt on the day were quickly dissipated, thanks to the friendly staff and nurses at the clinic. The injection itself was quick and painless.
The health, social, and economic implications of the pandemic were strong factors in my desire to get vaccinated as soon as I could. Not only will the vaccine protect myself, it will help slow down the spread of disease in the community, and especially protect vulnerable people who cannot be vaccinated, such as very young children or people with underlying illness.
From a social and economic perspective, being vaccinated contributes to the national 80% double-dose threshold needed to begin the easing of restrictions, allowing us all to return to and engage in a wider range of in person activities. The eventual reopening of outward international travel for vaccinated individuals is something I particularly look forward to, so that I can visit my siblings living overseas – something I (and many others) haven't been able to do since the borders closed.
GroupM and MediaCom have always been very supportive of anyone needing to take time off to get a COVID-19 test, and naturally this extends now to getting vaccinated and recovering from any side effects too. Speaking with my line manager was the only action required to get time off for my appointment.
I would encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as you can. And if you have been vaccinated, encourage others to do the same – I've had conversations that were simply sparked through the out-of-office message I had to say that I away to get vaccinated. Every effort counts and will make an impact for all of us.
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