One-in-five intravenous drug users in Melbourne ‘concerned’ about COVID-19 vaccine

A study from the Burnet Institute found one-in-five intravenous drug users in Melbourne were concerned about getting the COVID-19 vaccination due to “safety” worries.

“This just seems bizarre to me,” Tom Elliott said on Wednesday.

“How you could be concerned about injecting a health-approved vaccine, but happily inject heroin into yourself?”

Paul Dietze, Program Director of behaviour and health risks at the Burnet Institute, said the survey took place a year ago.

He said the 22 per cent figure reflected community sentiment at the time.

“We are talking about a very vulnerable group in the community,” he said.

“We need to be working with them.”

Press PLAY below to hear Tom and Paul debate the matter

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