Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston has stated that she will no longer associate with friends, family members, or anyone else that has not been vaccinated against Covid-19.
The statement by the 'Friends' actress, who grew to prominence playing Rachel Green in the hit 90s sitcom, has spurned debate in the United States over the right not to be vaccinated and whether non-vaccinated people should be allowed to participate in certain parts of society.
Aniston made her feelings clear in an interview with InStyle magazine in which she said:
"And there's still a large group of people who are anti-vaxxers or just don't listen to the facts. It's a real shame. I've just lost a few people in my weekly routine who have refused or did not disclose [whether or not they had been vaccinated], and it was unfortunate."
Adding:
"I feel it's your moral and professional obligation to inform, since we're not all podded up and being tested every single day. It's tricky because everyone is entitled to their own opinion — but a lot of opinions don't feel based in anything except fear or propaganda."
When challenged by anti-vaxxers, people who oppose vaccinations, Aniston responded on her social-media accounts as to why she felt so strongly about being vaccinated, saying:
"Because if you have the variant, you are still able to give it to me. I may get slightly sick but I will not be admitted to a hospital and or die. BUT I CAN give it to someone else who does not have the vaccine and whose health is compromised (or has a previous existing condition) - and therefore I would put their lives at risk. THAT is why I worry. We have to care about more than just ourselves here."
There is no evidence that Covid-19 vaccines are unsafe and since their roll-out, the number of vaccinated people suffering serious illness and death from Covid-19 has fallen dramatically. However, many of those who refused to be vaccinated are still dying of the new, more spreadable, Delta variant, previously known as the 'Indian variant'.
Many anti-vaxxers have been taken in by conspiracy theories spread online and by mistrust of governments and health-authorities.
[h/t: MSN]
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