Zoe Hunter: Five reasons why I got my second jab on Super Saturday

Zoe Hunter got double vaxxed on Super Saturday; this Afrcian woman is also vaccinated. Photo / Getty Images

OPINION:

I got my second Covid-19 vaccination on Super Saturday.

I was one of almost 130,000 people to take part in New Zealand's first-ever vaxathon to encourage Kiwis to get vaccinated.

Here's five reasons why I rolled up my sleeve.

1. It's not about me anymore.

Get vaccinated for you, your family, your friends, your colleagues. Your decision to get vaccinated affects so much more than just you - it affects everyone around you. The immuno-compromised who can't get vaccinated are relying on us to do the right thing.

2. Businesses need to get back to doing what they do best.

The economic gut-punch of Covid-19 has hurt businesses. They will continue to hurt if we keep yo-yo-ing through lockdowns.

My local bakery - Uppercrust Bakery in Mount Maunganui - was forced to close its doors at a moment's notice after it was named a location of interest last month. Having to shut up shop for two weeks made a huge dent in that small family-owned business' pocket.

The caterer for our 2023 wedding - Belinda Sands at Lemongrass Catering - also lost all her business overnight when the country was hurled into a second level 4 lockdown in August.

Let's do our bit for our local business owners.

3. Because I put my faith in science and health experts

No, I'm not interested in hearing or reading anything on social media that says anything other than getting your vaccine.

Anyone wanting to be a roadblock in helping the country return to normal, who isn't willing to do their bit, has that guilt to live with.

People must stop spreading uneducated, one-eyed, shortsighted views on social media. The only people we should be listening to are the experts, put your faith in them.

4. Events need to go ahead.

So many events have been cancelled or postponed due to the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19. The latest to reach headlines was the cancellation of Bay Dreams, which is an economic booster for the entire region.

We need to get out and socialise again, for our mental health.

I want to be able to enjoy Christmas and summer with my friends and family without fear and guilt and be carefree like we used to.

Selfishly, I also want the world to return to normal so I can get married in 2023.

5. Our hospital staff are already overloaded.

Our nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals are already run off their feet - we don't need to contribute to the problem. Get vaccinated, reduce your chances of being hospitalised and leave the space for someone who truly needs it.

Our actions now could make lasting changes for future generations.

If we do our bit now, it means my future children can be brought up in a world free of lockdowns and restrictions.