Science makes vaccines possible. We make their use real

Immunisation saves lives. It protects you, your family, and your community. Immunisation helps protect future generations by eradicating diseases. Recent history shows that thanks to major vaccination programmes we have been able to eradicate deadly diseases such as tetanus and diphtheria.

However, as we have all become increasingly aware, new infectious diseases are appearing around the world. This World Immunisation Week, the focus is, quite rightly so, on the battle we are fighting against Covid-19 and the importance of being vaccinated against this deadly virus.

The science community must re-gain the public’s trust in vaccinations

There is a lack of trust in vaccines by the public, in part due to myth and misinformation spread in all forms of media. This makes vaccine education more important than ever.

In the UK, we have been one of the lucky few to have a relatively smooth vaccine roll-out programme and we are starting to see the benefits. Unfortunately, this is not the case globally. Despite this, we must all do our part to correct misinformation spread online and use effective campaigns to cut through the online noise.

We feel that Pfizer and BioNTech’s recent campaign – #becauseofthis – does exactly this. It is a clever use of emotion to build vaccine confidence amid misinformation and widespread scepticism. The campaign comprises four films featuring footage of real people’s personal moments found online. These spontaneous moments of togetherness were chosen to remind viewers of the moments we all hope to return to once people are safely vaccinated.

At Aurora, we took inspiration from this, and asked our colleagues who have had one or both doses of the vaccine to share what they are most looking forward to being able to do once they are fully vaccinated:

“I am looking forward to feeling more confident and relaxed in social situations with friends and family. Our local football team Fisher Athletic may have a game in May where a crowd will be allowed so I am looking forward to a returning to some normality. I also find that saying goodbye is really weird now. You just kind of walk away. There is no real closure. Bring back the hug!” Lisa Carroll – Office Manager

“In an ideal world it I am most looking forward to being able to take my kids into London, travelling abroad again and visiting family and friends.” Sarah Pritchard – HR Business Partner

“For me, it’s all about hugging. I miss that and although I’ve had hugs at home, I can’t wait to hug my parents and for them to hug my son” – Claire Eldridge – CEO and Co-Owner

“Things I’m especially looking forward to are seeing live music again and eating out. Also, my sister is expecting a baby in July, so looking forward to being able to visit her when the baby arrives (especially as vaccine now being offered to pregnant women) – we haven’t seen each other face to face for well over a year and I missed her wedding last year because didn’t feel confident travelling to that.” – Katherine Diaz – Cheif Finance Officer

Along-side the optimism and hope that this question created, Sam Bevans – Director up a very important point: “I’m conscious that even having been fortunate to have had a first shot, I might still carry and pass on the virus to someone else, even if I’m more protected from it, so I haven’t felt a wave of relief or thought about what I can do having had the jab.”

Vaccines show their true effectiveness and importance once most of the population is vaccinated. Whilst those of us who have been fortunate enough to receive the vaccines can hope for brighter days, it’s evident that we still pose a risk of contracting the virus and passing it on to someone who is not immune yet.

The vaccination against Covid-19 truly needs to be a global effort and we believe that through campaigns such as #becauseofthis and the ABPI’s #ValuingVaccines, pharma needs to lead the charge in driving home the importance of vaccine uptake. After all, vaccines bring us closer.

To get in touch about how we can support you in in disease awareness campaigns and much more, please drop us an email at: hello@auroracomms.com