Pressure is building on the Federal Government to invest in an advertising blitz encouraging Australians to get the COVID-19 vaccine,
The government has already spent $40 million on a nationwide campaign which kicked off earlier this year, with the focus on reaffirm the safety of vaccines and providing information on how the vaccine will be rolled out.
In a press conference on Thursday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison was asked if the government should up its ad spend to $80 million.
Morrison suggested that there is no point in advertising the vaccine to younger Australians, who are not yet eligible to receive the jab.
“You have got to make sure you are going to manage the vaccines being available when you’re actually talking to people about when it’s their turn,” Morrison said.
“We are talking to those who are eligible for the vaccine at the moment, which is over 50s and particularly those who are over 70.”
With the supply of the Pfizer vaccine, which is set to be offered to people under 50, still an issue, Morrison said an advertising campaign “does not bring the Pfizer vaccines here any sooner”.
Morrison confirmed that 3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have so far been administered.
While current vaccine ads have been very focused on promoting facts, the government hinted at upcoming changes, particularly with more young people becoming eligible for the jab.
“The campaign will further evolve as required as other groups become eligible and a different type or style of messaging is required,” the government told ABC News.
Singapore made global headlines earlier this month when it launches a catchy disco song encouraging civilians to ‘Get your shot, Steady Pom Pi Pi’ (which means stay calm).
Whether or not the Australian government goes the musical route remains to be seen, however, comedian Charlie Pickering and his ABC program The Weekly has unveieled a hilarious spoof ad telling Aussies to “give the prick a go”.
You can see it here.
If the Government can’t convince you to get a vaccine, we will #TheWeekly pic.twitter.com/Sh6RnodU6X
— Charlie Pickering (@charliepick) May 12, 2021
