A few months ago the prospect of a COVID-19 vaccine was up in the air, but now it's an undoubtable reality. With the holidays rapidly approaching, the US, UK and Canada have all approved the BioNTech and Pfizer vaccine.
The first doses are already being administered overseas. Australians are likely to have access to an approved COVID-19 vaccine in 2021.
The Australian government entered four separate agreements for the supply of COVID-19 vaccines, investing $363million in research and billions more in securing supply of product, including the BioNTech and Pfizer vaccine which has been rolled out overseas.
Weekender asked locals if they'd be the first in line to take the new vaccines when they're made available.
WAYNE MULLEN
What do you know about the new COVID-19 vaccines? I know that a number of vaccines have been under development and that the leaders such as Pfizer's vaccine candidate has 95 per cent efficacy and Moderna's is about 94 per cent effective but 100 per cent effective against severe disease. They're using new and impressive technology based on mRNA rather than using an inactivated virus.
When these vaccines are available in Australia, do you hope to take them as soon as you can? As soon as I possibly can.
Why? I have family and friends in UK and India and (used to) travel to both regularly. The only way I can see that I'll be allowed to cross and re-cross borders and re-engage with the world and places and people that I love is to be certified as vaccinated. Also, my Father has malaria and my Aunt suffers from post-polio syndrome. I've seen the suffering that can be caused by diseases that cannot be vaccinated against, and the benefits that vaccination can bring. I'm grateful that Australia took strong steps to eradicate the virus and think that being vaccinated will protect me, the people who can't have the vaccine (very old, very young, the pregnant and so on), my own family and the Australian public.
BRITTEN THOMPSON
Vaccine knowledge? To be honest, not a lot. It can be difficult to cut through all the noise online. On one side there are people screaming about not getting them. On the other there are people who insist they are the way to go. Neither side seems to really present a good argument, though it's important to me to get the vaccine in order to aid in the eradication of COVID.
Would you take them? Yes!
Why? I am desperate to see the backend of COVID. I will do anything to speed its management/departure along.
KURT PARDEY
Vaccine knowledge? I know a little amount about most, but I have mainly focused on the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as this is the most relevant at the moment. I keep up-to-date on most of the research surrounding the vaccine as well as SARS-CoV-2.
Would you take them? I will absolutely be frothing at the mouth to get one.
Why? The evidence is clear that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe and elicits a strong immune response with 95 per cent efficacy in preventing COVID-19. The clinical trials were thorough and showed the vaccine worked well across all age groups, sex, ethnicity, BMI and the presence of existing conditions as well as trial data demonstrating no serious safety concerns being observed. The only grade three adverse event greater than 2 per cent in frequency was fatigue at 3.8 per cent and headache at 2 per cent.
I just wanted to add, that I am concerned that people who do not have the education in health, medicine and biology are being misled by the spread of misinformation and conspiracies online. This is dangerous as it puts members of the community and family members at risk, as well as further damaging the economy with any future possible outbreaks. Australia should be aiming for a very high immunised population to create herd immunity to protect our most vulnerable and people who are unable to receive the vaccine.
BROGAN RENSHAW
Vaccine knowledge? I have been vaguely following along with the progress of COVID-19 vaccines. I know that there have been three main contenders with two promoting a 90 per cent-plus success rate. One had issues with their controlled study and has had to go back to test again.
Would you take them? My young family and I will be getting the vaccine when it becomes available to us.
Why? We do hope to take it as soon as we can, however I am fully aware that as we are not in a high risk category that it could be some time yet before it is available to us. I think I am more relaxed about having a vaccine, as Australia isn't the first place where it is rolling out. I have a young baby and my parents are in a high risk category - I will happily play my part in having a vaccine to avoid the suffering of other people with families in the same situation.
LAWRENCE HAMILTON
Vaccine knowledge? Honestly, I don't know so much. I know the brands involved. Pfizer, Astra-Zeneca. Out of those two, I have been told one of those uses synthetics and the other one doesn't. I couldn't intelligently explain the difference. Other than that, I feel I know about as much as anyone who reads the occasional article in The Guardian or the Sydney Morning Herald etc. I am not reading source materials or original research or anything. Honestly, I am sick of hearing about it all.
Would you take them? No, I don't really care to be honest. I don't feel like I need it and I would have to do a lot more research. This is not coming from an anti-vax perspective. The concerns for me are from the rushed process, the lack of potential accountability by the manufacturers, and the idea it will be corporately mandated. I don't believe the government will mandate the vaccine, but airlines will, some employment sectors will, and I find that concerning. If after a year or so it seems to be going fine then I might get the jab. There will be pressure to get it, for sure, even if it is just to go visit my family back in the US.
FAISAL ALDAWSARI
Vaccine knowledge? All I know is that it's somehow 95 per cent effective with no significant side effects.
Would you take them? I will not take it if it was available.
Why not?I suffer from mild asthma, and I feel that people with underlying health issues like me shouldn't take it as soon as it is available until it has been tested among a large number of people so we can have the full picture of it, such as knowing its slightest side effects and whether people with underlying conditions can tolerate it or not.
DIANNE TAYLOR
Vaccine knowledge?No idea.
Would you take them?Yes.
Why? Having a disability that affects my ability to fight a cold or any lung infection means I was pretty aware from the start that if I got the virus I probably would not survive. I also was forced to face and accept at the start of the pandemic when people were debating the wearing of a mask and lockdown that because of my disability, in a lifeboat scenario or herd mentality situation I am considered expendable. If I was offered the vaccine early on I would take it. Having the vaccine would allow me to feel safe to go on with my life without fear.
JAMES CHAPMAN
Vaccine knowledge?I know that a number of pharmaceutic companies have recently finished work on vaccines and that health agencies are now working on testing and regulating them. I know the UK was one of the first to approve a vaccine and that other countries are probably only a few weeks away from doing the same. I also know that there are concerns about the amount of time (or lack thereof) that was taken to develop the vaccines and lots of people are unwilling to be the first to try it.
Would you take them?I plan on getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
Why?I'm an at-risk individual who suffers from respiratory issues so getting COVID was always going to be a bad proposition. I also work with hundreds of young people each week and the risk of having the virus without knowing and then spreading it to them, who then spread it to their own families, is something that's really scary. Our work would have to close down for cleaning/quarantine and that would mean kids would miss out on their drama classes and our casual employees could lose income. Thankfully in Newcastle we haven't had an active case in months but the looming threat is always there. I'm also pretty trusting of the scientific and medical community in Australia and think that if they approved a vaccine it would likely be safe for us to use.
JOHN FOWLER
Vaccine knowledge? My knowledge of the COVID vaccines is limited to what has been discussed in the media. I am aware that trials are currently being conducted in the UK, China, and Canada on the general public. To date there appears to have been a minor problem experienced for people with high level allergies.
Would you take them? I am willing to participate in a vaccination program after reviewing the effectiveness and other aspects such as severe side effects that come out - if at all. I am a supporter of vaccination and have all my other jabs up-to-date.
Why? We are now getting close to 70 and wish to travel some more to other parts of the world. I do not believe that travelling unvaccinated is an option for my health or the health of others in Australia nor other countries I visit. Whenever we have travelled we always check what vaccinations, if any, are required or recommended.
EVA LANE
Vaccine knowledge? I believe that there were about 40 vaccines that were developed around the world, with it now narrowed down to about four vaccines approved for use in some countries.
Would you take them? I hope to take the vaccine when it's my turn. It needs to be rolled out to frontline workers and the most vulnerable people first, and then cascaded to the wider population after that.
Why?Other people (sick, elderly, frontline workers) need the vaccine more than me, but when it's my turn I will get the vaccine. I believe that getting the vaccine is the responsible thing to do for the health of our entire community. We all need to do our part.
JAMIE KRSUL
Vaccine knowledge? I know that it has been in production for eight to 10 months, which is quite quick for vaccine development. The FDA are in the process of going through final processes to try and administer for the American public. The vaccine was administered to British frontline workers this week. There were some minor side effects for people who already suffered severe allergies. These people have been advised not to get the vaccine.
Would you take them? Absolutely, 100 per cent.
Why? While I am not a frontline of this pandemic, I believe in herd immunity and believe it's necessary for everyone who can get the vaccine, to get the vaccine. It will protect us, but also others who cannot be vaccinated (not by choice)
JESS JONES
Vaccine knowledge? The first roll-out is in the UK where they have enough vaccines for almost all seniors. There are two major vaccines and the UK one (Pfizer) has to be very carefully temperature regulated for it to work. You also need a booster weeks after the first one.
Would you take them? I am not keen to take it as soon as it's available. I am all for vaccines, and support vaccination, but this vaccine is so new - maybe rushed to meet demand - the side effects and longer term consequences couldn't possibly be tested in full yet.
Why not? I want to know what I am taking is safe. I work with seniors on the regular and do agree that we need to do something to prevent the mass tragedies occurring overseas. As Australia isn't first in line to take it, we may find out more potential problems as it gets mass rolled out in the UK - and I'm happy for them to be the guinea pigs!
CANDICE GLEESON
Vaccine knowledge? My understanding is that the new vaccines are designed to minimise the known existing symptoms of COVID-19, rather than cure. This is to ensure that health systems are not overwhelmed and so that the sufferer has a milder dose with less chance of long-term consequences. It will work like the flu shot, where a dose is recommended every six to 12 months. It seems like the vaccine has been developed rather quickly but a large portion of the groundwork was already complete.
Would you take them? Yes. Sign me up!
Why? I find it ethically problematic not to. Public health depends on it - if a society refuses to help its most vulnerable then surely not much good can be said about those in it? It's a civic duty and those who refuse based on flimsy, scaremongering, badly edited videos that are devoid of fact are completely undermining solidarity, trust and other important community values.
