Can "anti-Vaxxers&q uot; explain?

The uptake of the vaccine in the over 70s has far surpassed expectations, it’s over 90% in Wales for 70-79s, and I’m assuming similar for the rest of the UK, and still rising.

What will be really sad and ironic is if younger people who have chosen not to be vaccinated end up being the ones dying in the third wave.

Plenty on the Internet as to why strangers argue with each other

I tend to agree with this

Some people argue just to argue. Some people just want to spout their opinion. Some people are just trolls and want to rile others up.

Don’t waste your breath (or fingers).

It’s foolish and a waste of time to argue with those people.

In fact, for me, I avoid Facebook arguments (and arguments online in general) because I know they are generally pointless. People don’t want to understand – they just want to spout. I just don’t waste my time.

You shouldn’t either.

Oh I think I posted this in the wrong place

Forgive me

As for anti-vaxxers I have no knowledge why they choose to live in a dangerous way.

That's a shame I was just going to start an argument with you

Galaxy

That's a shame I was just going to start an argument with you

Maybe tomorrow, Galaxy!

It's my birthday today and I'm all sweetness and light ;-)

?happy birthday gannygangan.

It has occurred to me that the discussions with anti-vaxxers, asking why they do not want to have the vaccine are really the wrong way round, the question will only antagonise them and make them more defensive.

What we shoud really ask is what would they need to be sure of, before they would agree to have the vaccine. Perhaps a more positive approach that accepted that their concerns were legitimate, but provided the evidence in a non threatening way, which enabled them to accept the vaccine without feeling they were bullied or proved wrong, would be more effective.

Seems eminently sensible MOnica and I think for the vaccine hesitant it is likely to be a solution, but I'm not sure even that level of absolute logic and support would sway the true anti-vaxxers.

Sorry, twitchy fingers this morning. Meant to add because the true anti Vs are entrenched in conspiracy theory and few of them can be swayed by fact and logic.

LauraNorder

?happy birthday gannygangan.

Many thanks, LauraNorder

My neighbour is happily skipping down the drive as I type. Off for her jab.

I think the UK, on the whole, are pretty good at being vaccinated

M0nica

It has occurred to me that the discussions with anti-vaxxers, asking why they do not want to have the vaccine are really the wrong way round, the question will only antagonise them and make them more defensive.

What we shoud really ask is what would they need to be sure of, before they would agree to have the vaccine. Perhaps a more positive approach that accepted that their concerns were legitimate, but provided the evidence in a non threatening way, which enabled them to accept the vaccine without feeling they were bullied or proved wrong, would be more effective.

I've been wondering why anti-vaxxers seen to want to come on social media and persuade others of their case. They always use the same arguments - tell people to do "research", come out with a load of false facts and tell others they're stupid and misguided and claim they're being bullied. Creationists have used the same tactics for years.

I really don't begin to understand their mindset and am convinced no argument will ever dissuade. It really bothers me that there are those who are hesitant and see some of the slick videos as equivalent to scientists and medics who know what they're talking about.

NellG

Seems eminently sensible MOnica and I think for the vaccine hesitant it is likely to be a solution, but I'm not sure even that level of absolute logic and support would sway the true anti-vaxxers.

I don't think it would either.

I haven't got a link, but I read somewhere that it's the 'on the fence' people who are likely to not chase up appointments, not get around to doing what they should, and thus pose more of a risk than the staunch refusers.
I felt 'on the fence' about the vaccine.
It all seemed too quick, I was concerned about testing in different age ranges, I didn't (and still don't) know which experts to believe.
One particular member here would always respond to my questions, and it did help.
I always knew I would have the vaccine anyway, but it made me feel less concerned. (Although I still feel a bit 'on the fence')

I think you’re right Miss Adventure. Conspiracy theorists are outnumbered by people who are scared, disorganised and/or not sure if they should have the vaccine or not for other health reasons.

M0nica

It has occurred to me that the discussions with anti-vaxxers, asking why they do not want to have the vaccine are really the wrong way round, the question will only antagonise them and make them more defensive.

What we shoud really ask is what would they need to be sure of, before they would agree to have the vaccine. Perhaps a more positive approach that accepted that their concerns were legitimate, but provided the evidence in a non threatening way, which enabled them to accept the vaccine without feeling they were bullied or proved wrong, would be more effective.

Yes I agree Monica
Maybe posters on here shouldn't be saying things like this:

Hold them down and tattoo on their foreheads Anti-Vaxxers

Dart them as you would an animal

Put them in concentration camps

Perhaps then they may listen.

The palava I had in trying to book my vaccine was ridiculous and so stressful, along with another 2 of my colleagues.
I'm sure if I didnt have to have it for work then I would have left it.

Your post at 9:43 growstuff - I completely agree.

Why do anti-vaxxers feel they have to dissuade others? I can maybe understand that if you think the vaccine is a bad thing, you want to save others from a dreadful fate. But why do people who might be considered as "experts" come up with these bizarre ideas in the first place? And then disseminate them on the web?

Yoginimeisje

M0nica

It has occurred to me that the discussions with anti-vaxxers, asking why they do not want to have the vaccine are really the wrong way round, the question will only antagonise them and make them more defensive.

What we shoud really ask is what would they need to be sure of, before they would agree to have the vaccine. Perhaps a more positive approach that accepted that their concerns were legitimate, but provided the evidence in a non threatening way, which enabled them to accept the vaccine without feeling they were bullied or proved wrong, would be more effective.

Yes I agree Monica
Maybe posters on here shouldn't be saying things like this:

Hold them down and tattoo on their foreheads Anti-Vaxxers

Dart them as you would an animal

Put them in concentration camps

Perhaps then they may listen.

Has anyone here actually made those statements word for word?

I've seen some strong opinion, but nothing quite that extreme.

Some of those terms were used and the posters who posted them were either immediately told off for being extreme, or recanted and apologised when they realised what they had implied.

I don't remember the "dart" one though"!

I do.
Maybe said tongue in cheek.

Yes *NellG all those quotes from GN members, chilling!!

Oh, no, it certainly won't work with the rabid, conspiracy loving nuts. But they are a very small minority.

The majority of those currently not wanting the jab, or refusing it, are not in that minority. They are people, who have read something here or there, that suggests that it conflicts with their religious or other beliefs.

Often peoples fears are based on something they are vaguely aware of, that they cannot remember clearly, but just got a feeling there had been in the past a vaccine that was unsafe. All these people need is reassurance

Yes the comments were made - humour ??? a welcome break in an emotive thread. ? Thumbs up to those who made tjem.
Here's another : maybe we could arrange a trip to Europe to get the vaccine tomorrow - since the vaccine centres are empty over there.

Do they give you a sticker or a lollipop? I'm still peeved I didn't get either yesterday.

What's more, I wasn't injected with a 5G chip and haven't developed a liking for bananas.

In fact, I don't feel anything - I just hope it's done something.