As far as health warnings go, the federal government’s video of a young woman gasping for air in hospital is on the confronting side.
The new ad campaign, aimed at Sydneysiders amid the city’s growing Delta outbreak, has proved divisive so far, with some claiming the “graphic” ad was insensitive given many young people cannot access the covid vaccine.
The Australian Government Department of Health has also released its campaign encouraging Aussies to get jabbed and “arm yourself”, with shots of people rolling up their sleeves and showing off their vaccination Band-Aids.
The two videos, released this weekend, come months after other countries shared their advertising push to get the jab – so how does Australia stack up compared to the rest of the world?
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New Zealand
For a country whose national airline is famous for its epic safety videos, it’s no surprise that New Zealand’s campaign to get jabbed is nothing short of iconic.
The one-minute clip sees Kiwis hitting out at covid for “trying to be friends with 2021” before declaring “guess what, we’ve got plans too”.
A health worker walks into a vaccination clinic, explaining how it’s the “metaphorical door to freedom” as New Zealanders celebrate the benefits to getting the jab.
“I’m going home to see my mum,” one man announces to cheers in a barbershop.
Others declare “ka kite”, Maori for “see you” to covid, as they plan weddings, attend concerts or enjoy a traditional hongi greeting.
The ad’s won plenty of praise online, with people labelling it “magnificent” and “awesome” while praising the country for taking a “different approach” to getting the message across.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited for a jab in my life. Face with tears of joy. This video somehow made that happen,” one person tweeted.
United Kingdom
In Britain the country’s National Health Service (NHS) has relied on star power to get the power of vaccines across.
In a series of ‘auditions’ celebrities like Elton John, David Walliams, Liz Hurley and Lenny Henry read out lines busting myths that the vaccine can give you covid or, ahem, cotnains animal products.
United States
In the US former presidents (with the exception of Donald Trump) have joined forces for an emotional plea encouraging Americans to take up the vaccine.
Called “It’s Up To You”, the video shows the former leaders and first ladies getting vaccinated while talking about what they are looking forward to once the pandemic is over.
“This vaccine means hope,” former president Barack Obama says in a reference to his famous election campaign.
“It will protect you and those you love from this deadly and dangerous disease.”
Singapore
In possibly one of the most memorable covid campaigns out there, Singapore’s government have used the power of song to spread one very catchy message.
In a video titled, “Get your Shot, Steady Pom Pi Pi,” character Phua Chu Kang, played by Singaporean actor Gurmit Singh, urges residents to get the jab.
Singh has appeared in a series of public health messages about coronavirus since the pandemic began.
In the latest video he tells Singaporeans: “Everybody, it’s time to vaccinate” as there is “no time to waste”.
Give it a watch — I promise, the video will be one of the more enjoyable two minutes you spend on the internet today.
“This is more infectious than the virus itself,” one person said of the video on YouTube.
“This actually slaps,” another commented.
Brands are also doing their bit, with Heineken’s video a “cheers to the vaccinated” showing some golden oldies letting loose at an all-night party.
In the US, 12 of the country’s biggest sporting organisations including the Major League Baseball, WWE, NFL and NBL collaborated on an ad showing some of the most magical live sports moments.
“The covid vaccines are here,” the ad declares. “We’ll see you soon.”
Health and Fitness | news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site