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EDITORIAL: We have the weapons to win the COVID-19 ‘war’ — but it’s up to us to use them

Headshot of Liam Croy
Liam CroyAlbany Advertiser
Vaccine slippage Illustration: Don Lindsay
Camera IconVaccine slippage Illustration: Don Lindsay Credit: The West Australian

A friendly chat, a free apple juice and a 15-minute wait.

At the very least, getting the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Albany Health Campus felt like a nice break from work.

If the parking at the hospital was anywhere near good enough, it would have been a seamless experience.

But back to the point: that first jab also felt like being part of history.

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How lucky we are to live in a time when our top minds can make effective vaccines within months of a global virus outbreak.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest international crisis since World War II.

It is a brutal test of governance and the ability of communities to do the right thing.

Economies are being pushed to the brink, mental health services are flat-out, and international travel is on hold.

We often hear about the “battle” or “war” against COVID.

Using that metaphor, it just so happens that we have the weapons to defeat this common enemy.

But it’s up to us to use them.

All West Australians aged 16 and over are eligible for the COVID vaccine — and yet barely half of those eligible in the City of Albany have had their first dose.

Please, roll up your sleeve and get the jab.

Do it for your loved ones.

Do it for those among us with underlying health issues.

Do it for the 50 million people who died during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-19, when there were no effective vaccines.

Do it for that trip to Bali you’ve been hanging out for.

Do it for the free apple juice.

Just do it.

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