Vaccinations save lives – that’s a fact, not a conspiracy | Emma Kay

Compliance is seen as a weakness and just viewed as adherence to a ‘government whim’.

Now, with the announcement of a 94 per cent success rate of the coronavirus vaccine, everyone can rejoice that the end of this grim time is within reach.

But even with the death of Covid-19 on the horizon, it seems slaying the anti-vaccination movement will be no simple task.

How do we convince those who claim Bill Gates want to inject them with invisible microchips or who believe the government is trying to cover up a mountainous conspiracy? How do you win over a movement dedicated to stomping out the needle?

There are those who still remember a time when dying from measles without immunisation was a part of daily life, may feel like the refusers are smacking them squarely in the jaw.

Anti-vaxxers have been diligently in denial for a long time. They are grappling with a strong counter-intuitive belief that ‘wait and see’ is the safest route. The movement is small, but vocal, and could lead to others following suit and refusing to vaccinate. Fear only exacerbates a fragile situation and any small bit of misinformation could target those vulnerable to the anti-vaccination vernacular.

So should people be forced to vaccinate if they do not comply? Mandatory vaccinations will give anti-vaxxers ammunition to cry out ‘corruption and conspiracy’.

There is one solution. Take yellow fever. If you want a holiday to some parts of the world, without a yellow fever certificate, you will not be allowed entry. You have the choice, but without it your options are restricted. Should we have a Covid-19 certificate, without which, entry to some places is denied? You have the choice, but social options may be restricted.

The truth is we need to bolster support for vaccinations to get those on the fence to hop over and show support and willingness to boost a more positive sentiment towards science and progress.

People need to see the impact of life threatening diseases not just in themselves but on those around them. We need to progress and protect at all costs.

Tantalise those tastebuds by trying something different

Dining with diversity can drive you out of your comfort zone but will take you out of the tedium.

Broadening your food spectrum can open up new ways to cook and explore. Over lockdown, many will have experienced the shortfall in availability of our normal British fare.

Shopping at the world food section in the supermarket is a good place to start but branching into the mini marts from other places and cultures in the world is the true test of exploration. Meaty Polish dumplings or Moroccan baked apples stuffed with almonds, raisins and orange blossom.

Do not be afraid or shy away if the shop sign is in a different language. Do not be afraid if you do not recognise the food or the culture.

Tantalising your taste buds and opening your mind to new experiences is a great way to start a New Year and a new you.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Less of the razzle dazzle and more simple acts of kindness

The John Lewis Christmas advert is out and it seems to have some pretty mixed reviews.

Some have said the two minute advert is heart-warming and brought them to tears, others have deemed it boring compared to previous efforts.

John Lewis adverts have become something of a UK staple in the winter months. People look forward to the advert, seeing it as something of a holiday hallmark. We are often treated to a menagerie of images and colour that captures the heart of the nation.

This year’s offering is a far simpler affair, with nine little scenes that focus on small acts of generosity. It does not carry the same fantastical show stopping spectacle we are so used to seeing. But is that a bad thing?

The new advert carries a buoyancy of expectation. It focuses on something more vital that we desperately want to see – the purity of human kindness.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​