A young woman struggling to breathe in her hospital bed is the focus of a new advertisement campaign urging people to get vaccinated for COVID-19.
The advertisement will target Sydney residents only, appearing on social media feeds from today.
It shows a young woman on an oxygen feed in a hospital bed, gasping heavily. The video is rpefaced with the text: ‘The following video is a representation of severe COVID-19 illness. Some viewers may find the video distressing, viewer discretion is advised.’
Filmed last year, its release has been triggered by surging case numbers in Sydney, with 77 recorded today.
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly defended the video’s visceral nature, saying it was “meant to be graphic”.
“It leaves people in no doubt about the importance of isolating getting tested and getting vaccinated,” Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout commander Lieutenant General John Frewen said today.
Another set of advertisements, showing ordinary Australians rolling up their sleeves to get the vaccine urges Australians to “arm themselves” against the virus.
This will also appear for Sydney residents, along with the rest of the country.