According to a statement released by the office of the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt MP, the next phase of the Australian Government’s Covid-19 vaccination communications campaign – First Things First – has launched, reminding people that the first thing they need to do is get vaccinated.
With the arrival of millions more vaccines, easier access through an expanded network of GPs and pharmacists and opening up the vaccination program to everyone aged over 12, the campaign kicks off this major ramp-up of the vaccination program.
The campaign encourages Australians to get vaccinated, so they can start enjoying the things they are missing or to keep enjoying the things they love.
It has two key themes: to speak to those who have been living in areas of lockdown and are looking forward to our first tastes of freedom again, and to those who are already enjoying the things we love to get vaccinated to keep them without the risk of lockdowns.
Reportedly, the latest research shows the continuing positive trend in attitudes to being vaccinated.
It’s said that 81% of people report they will be or intend to be vaccinated. This is extremely encouraging as the country strives to reach the 70% and 80% vaccination rates as important targets in the phases for re-opening.
This campaign targets those who are still unsure to be vaccinated, as it will enable them to do things they enjoy, such as being with family, attending weddings, going to concerts and travelling.
To date, more than 66% of the Australian population aged 16 and over has had at least one vaccine dose, and more than 22 million doses have been administered across the country.
As part of the campaign development, reportedly committees representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with a disability and the multicultural communities have been consulted regularly to ensure the vaccination messaging is clear, appropriate, and disseminated through the best communication channels to reach all Australians.
The communications campaign is said to also support on-the-ground engagement with the public, including information kiosks at shopping centres and events, and community in-reach activities with CALD and Indigenous communities.
