"‘No Vaccine Available, So What Are We Supposed to Get?’... Australian Youth Angry at Vaccination Promotion Ads"

Australian Government Releases Vaccine Promotion Ads
"Nonsensical Ads" Spark Backlash Among Young People
Only About 9.1% of Australians Have Completed Second Dose
Under 40s Not Eligible to Register for Vaccination

Australian Vaccine Promotion Advertisement Video / Photo by SNS Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] The Australian government's vaccine promotion advertisement video is drawing attention as it faces strong criticism from the younger generation. Currently, Australia is reported to be in a situation where those under 40 cannot make vaccination appointments even if they want to, due to a shortage of vaccine supplies.

According to overseas media such as the BBC on the 12th (local time), the Australian government produced and released a public service advertisement encouraging vaccination on the previous day (11th). The 30-second video shows a young woman lying in a hospital bed, breathing heavily with an oxygen mask, before switching to a black screen.

Following this, phrases such as "Anyone can be affected by COVID-19," "Stay at home," "Get tested," and "Book your vaccination" appear.

Titled "Arm yourself," the video emphasizes the dangers of COVID-19 by featuring a young woman and encourages citizens to voluntarily get vaccinated.

However, some young Australians are reportedly opposing the content of this video. While the government seems to intend to deliver the message "Get vaccinated" to the 20s and 30s generation by featuring a young woman as the main character, critics point out that most young Australians currently are not eligible for vaccination.

Amid the emergency caused by the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, citizens lined up to receive vaccinations in front of a vaccination center set up in Homebush on the outskirts of Sydney on the 7th (local time). / Photo by Yonhap News

Currently, only those aged 40 and above in Australia can get vaccinated, and those under 40 are expected to be able to apply for vaccination only by the end of this year.

In this regard, Australian netizens have poured out criticism on social media, saying things like "This advertisement makes no sense," "There is a vaccine shortage, so what does it mean to tell people to get vaccinated?" and "Young people of similar age to the woman in this ad are still waiting for their turn to get vaccinated."

Amid growing criticism of the advertisement, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in an interview with Sky News Australia, "I am well aware of the criticisms about the advertisement," but emphasized, "The most important thing is to understand how crucial it is to follow the current (vaccination) advice."

He also pointed out, "Young people are moving around cities and spreading risks to many people in local communities."

New South Wales in Australia recently entered a city lockdown as the spread of the Delta variant worsened. As of the 12th, the region reported 112 new confirmed cases, breaking the record for the highest number for five consecutive days.

Meanwhile, according to Australian health authorities, about 2.3 million people, or 9.1% of the total population, have completed their second dose of the vaccine.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.