• expired

$200 Luxury Escapes Voucher (International Travel Only) - Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination

2236

$200 Luxury Escape credit with no min spend for anyone that is COVID-19 vaccinated (1st or 2nd dose).

Valid for international travel only. The voucher is valid until 30 Jun 2022, but can be booked for a later date.

I'm interested to see how this deal goes on Ozbargain :P

Full T&C's

  • This promotion commences on 12:01am (AEST) on 20 June 2021 and ends on 11:59pm (AEST) on 30 September 2021. During the promotional period a Luxury Escapes promo code to the value of $200 will be issued to customers who provide evidence of their Covid-19 vaccination to Luxury Escapes (1st or 2nd dose and including vaccinations completed prior to this promotion). Promo codes will be issued to the first one (1) million customers in Australia only and will be valid towards the purchase of International 'Lux Limited Time Exclusive' offers (outside of Australia) sold through www.luxuryescapes.com/au. Promo codes not valid for 'Lux Premium Collection', 'Lux Partner Property', 'Last Minute Escapes', insurance, flights or experiences. Promo codes issued will expire on 30 June 2022 with bookings required to be made by this date (and travel dates being subject to the offer purchased). Promo codes will only be valid for single use and will be cancelled and not available for use in the event the booking is cancelled. One Promo code per customer. Multiple promo codes cannot be used for a single purchase. Any purchase is subject to Luxury Escapes Full terms and conditions (see https://luxuryescapes.com/au/terms-and-conditions).

Referral Links

Referral: random (189)

$50 credit for referrer and referee.

Related Stores

Luxury Escapes
Luxury Escapes

closed Comments

        • stick ta ya CNN brahhh

          • +1

            @dono2: I don't have CNN. That would require supporting Murdoch.

            Back to Sky and the Tele, boy.

    • +5

      Do you complain about targeted offers from Woolies and AmEx as well, not being available to the general public? You do understand that the promotor’s whole business model depends on (international) travel? As a side note, I think it’s a bit odd to refer to a simple vaccination as undergoing ‘medical treatment’.

      • +1

        Do you complain about targeted offers from Woolies and AmEx as well, not being available to the general public?

        Woolies is open to everyone, targeted offers based on habits, not medical choices.

    • +6

      No. Anyone can be vaccinated. This isn’t like sexual orientation or race. It’s good for their industry and the world, so why not offer incentives?

    • +6

      It's available to everyone except those who believe in nonsense?

      • +3

        I mean that’s basically what happens with religious discrimination though…

        • Covid denial hasn't yet been formally recognised as a religion though…

          Doubtful they'll have much luck if the Pastafarians didn't!

    • Lots of stuff is only available to people that are medically ready.

  • +28

    Wouldn't neg the deal but I will absolutely never ever deal with Luxury Escapes again. Their business ethics are appalling.

    We were due to go to Lord Howe Island early 2020 and had paid $8000 for accomm at an epic lodge. Really once in a life time stuff. As COVID got bad Lord Howe shut to tourists. The lodge fully refunded our booking to LE. LE refused to refund us, only offering credit with 2 year expiry. We were unlikely to be able to use the credit, as my partner had just become pregnant, the lodge didn’t allow kids and $8000 is a heap to use on normal LE trips. Let alone, with COVID who knew then how long it would last. Looks like 2 years we’ll be lucky to have open borders!
    Back and forth for weeks, they flatly refused to budge. Luckily we had travel insurance and they refunded us (less excess).

    They were not out of pocket, they were using circumstances to their benefit, at their customer’s expense. Never, ever again and I will always warn others. Such disappointment after some great LE trips, but I just cannot trust them.

    • +2

      Some companies made some very short sighted decisions in a panic of bankruptcy. I would love them to revisit these decisions and say, yep we were scared aholes, here’s a bone to say sorry and we should hav3 treated you better.

    • I’ve had nothing but fantastic experiences with LE. They were only refunding international holidays and crediting domestic but I’m happy with that, some companies struggle through Covid.

      • +1

        I don't think that's a good enough excuse to knowingly screw over your bread and butter.

    • Gees that's absolutely disgusting on LE's part.

      I've been considering their deals but will avoid them if that is the type of service you need to deal with if something goes wrong.

  • +9

    Yes this is virtue-signalling, but also these guys have a vested interest in getting everyone vaccinated. Their industry and our economy need everyone to pull their finger out and get vaccinated (when we can). People are inherently selfish, so yeah, incentives like this work. Also, used my 5 daily down-votes too quickly on this thread.

    • +3

      They vaccinate your arm, not your finger.

  • +11

    If you're not planning to get vaccinated why are you even here in this thread?

    How are so many people so eager to show off their mental prowess?

    I do think this deal should have a targeted tag however, if only to reduce the yowling.

    • +2

      The anti vax nutters in this thread don't have any other outlet to parrot the trash their masters tell them.

      Hence why they're here.

  • +4

    I wouldn’t trust Luxury Escapes with my medical information

    • +10

      Yeah cause telling someone you’ve been vaccinated is right up there with your secret rash problem…

  • -6

    Exercising informed consent in relation to an individual's medical choices should not be subject to financial inducement or reward.

    • +9

      Why not? It's your choice not to do it, but then you aren't helping borders open and so aren't helping their business. I don't see a problem with it.

      What difference does it make to you?

    • +1

      have a sook about it

  • +3

    Are they aware our borders are closed?

    • They will sell you packages to NZ ($200 off). So they are very aware the border is open - to NZ.
      Plenty of Australians are already there. And voucher is valid for use until 30 September.

  • -8

    Put my health at risk for an experimental vaccine. Get an incentive for getting a vaccine? Wtf, how a deal?

    • +4

      There's no spark in this rocket.

      • It died a long time ago :(

    • Anyone wanna explain the downvotes? Prove by scientific studies how I am wrong? According to OzBargain: "Your negative vote on this post has been revoked by the community." So the community can judge whether a vaccine is safe based on negs? Amazing world we live in WOW!

      • +1

        Mate, ozbargain isn't where we debate fake information vs credible evidence on vaccine safety.

        It's where we post deals and upvote/down vote them.

        Your neg was revoked because it wasn't a legit reason to neg the deal.

  • -7

    This is equivalent to a scientific research lab offering a grocery voucher to someone who will take some experimental drugs… Red flag

  • -7

    Take drugs to get a discount. Usually this would not be allowed.

  • +4

    imagine someone who is on totally different industry coming to your work and read couple of your SOPS then start telling you how to do your job since they know better now after couple of read.

  • +9

    I'll be glad to never have to fly with any of the anti-vaxxers here in this thread in the future

    • Anti vaxxx wake up it’s called pro choice and trial jab is voluntary

  • If you're under 40, check your BMI. Anyone with a BMI of 40 or above is eligible for a vaccine.

  • -1

    Lets all downvote/suppress any comment which critises or causes any critical thinking in regards to the vaccine! Derpppp!

    Exactly what the MSM does.

    • +10

      Pretty sure you can’t neg a post based on conspiracy

      • +1

        This is my 2nd comment on this post, not the reason I negged

        Typical response though, of course it's a conspiracy! Is that what the MSM told you too?

        • +3

          I don’t see what a Mongolian automotive group has to do with anything

          • @UberIsCool: Hopefully you're just being a smart arse and dont need to be told what MSM is… FYI I have a close family member who receive d the AZ vax and is now severely paralysed. Not really a conspiracy for me at least when i have 1st hand evidence of negative symptoms from the vax

            • @krazek: Not the vaccines fault they fell off the motorbike afterwards! #aussiedashcams

              Why are so in love with Methylsulfonylmethane?

    • +7

      Research and opinions from Facebook isn't considered critical thinking

      • +2

        Who said anything about Facebook?

  • +2

    If other people are vaxxed, why does it matter if others aren't?

    • +1

      Well…if everyone is asking the same question..

    • +6

      because not everyone can get the vaccine (immunocompromised, etc) and they'd still appreciate some protection…

    • +10

      I'm not an "anti vaxxer"
      https://childrenshealthdefense.org

      Children's Health Defense is an American activist group mainly known for anti-vaccine activities and has been identified as one of the main sources of misinformation on vaccines. Wikipedia

      • -2

        Well if it's on Wikipedia it must be true LOL. If checking Wikipedia is the extent of your research so be it, good luck with your path.

        • +3

          No, when a person starts off with they're not an "anti vaxxer" - its pretty certain they are.
          Stopped being interested in your "research" suggestion after that!

          A reputable review debunking your pet conspiracy from The American Council on Science & Health…
          that doesn't show what CHD wants it to. The takeaway for us is that CHD is doing what it always does. Whether the topic is 5G, pesticides or vaccines—and Kennedy's group opposes all three—their conclusion is the same: big corporations push dangerous products on unsuspecting citizens, with the approval of duplicitous regulators. Any data that can be twisted to support that narrative is enlisted for service.

          • @Rather be Travelling: Where are the 1-5 year safety data for the vaccine? It's an experimental vaccine. Don't you read the TGA and FDA, it's not approved in any other situation but for emergency use!!

            • +2

              @RocketSwitch: Emergency use in the US. Provisional approval in Australia which is the pathway nearly all new medicines go through.

              Per the TGA:

              It's also important to note that an evaluation under the provisional pathway is still a full review, and the TGA does not have a mechanism for emergency use authorisations.

            • +1

              @RocketSwitch: Hop in your time machine / rocket & tell us!

              Nothing in life is 100% safe.

              If the future results were known & found effective & safe, I think those complaining would still be saying its unsafe. Its how they operate.

              And who determined 5 years of data was needed - those scientists, experts & authorities these people protest about! So they will just demand more data, more delays… resulting in more deaths of the unvaccinated!

              Millions have already died from Covid, yet you seem to demand we delay vaccinations for years & likely cause millions more deaths!!
              You are heartless!

              • @Rather be Travelling: I do hope it's a safe vaccine as I don't wanna see people get hurt/die.

                I'm not heartless, you're careless. You're giving a vaccine to the entire world, that's billions if it proves to be deadly long term (as shown with changing health advice with AZ). So you're not only careless but heartless too.

                Millions have died with the common flu btw, even with vaccinations (around 10%-30% effectiveness from years of studies). So I wouldn't be promoting the vaccine to be your saviour my friend. So get it right, and then jab the world. Currently, AFLDS is suing the Dept. of Health & Human Services to prevent additional emergency use authorizations of COVID-19 vaccines in America due to the number of children coming in with heart inflammation from the jab.

                Stop putting the onus on people questioning as if we killed millions! You have no backbone to say otherwise as no stats exist to back you up!

                • @RocketSwitch: We have data showing the side effects of taking the vaccine are currently astronomically low, the illness & death if people contact & spread the virus are much higher.

                  While AZ is now not recommended here for anyone under 60, due to blood clotting, it's still safer than some other medicine.
                  That's not the recommendations in other countries. It's just that covid is currently such a low risk here, making the side effects appear larger relative to that. There are fortunately other vaccines!

                  So the authorities who would normally want 5 years of data have determined we can't wait - Immunise now.

                  Strange you accept US guidance of a delay of 5 years to collect data - determined by experts in the field, but when they say go ahead asap - you argue against them!


                  Got to laugh at your choice of source - AFLDS the same group who campaigns against simple hygiene measures like masks!
                  America's Frontline Doctors is an American right-wing political organization. Founded by Simone Gold and promoted by the Tea Party Patriots, it has opposed lockdowns and social distancing mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic by citing alleged and unapproved treatments for COVID-19

                  Anyone can lodge a legal challenge. It means nothing unless the court accepts there is a case, and finds in their favour.
                  In post-Trump USA, even with court systems stacked in favour of right wingers - the outcome is far from certain. As it will likely rely on personal liberty - it will have no effect here.

                  The recent restraining motion before the court by AFLDS, calls for Medical Freedom under the Constitution!

                  That case only relates to use in children under the age of 16, not everyone.

                  Ah, sounds like The Castle…"It's the vibe of the Constitution, your Honour"…


                  Millions have died with the seasonal flu over a very long time. Now we have many millions dying in just over a year! Hence the "emergency" or preliminary status given to this vaccine worldwide.

                  But the flu cases have dramatically dropped off now - due to simple hygiene measures. Those should be everyday precautions. I learnt about those in a previous pandemic overseas.
                  But your internet mates oppose those basic precautions as an infringement of their personal liberties! Oh boy!

                  Delay is death in this case.
                  Your erroneous thinking can endanger lives & getting on with our future.

                  • -1

                    @Rather be Travelling: I'll be happy with one to three-year safety data.

                    Remember, our experts didn't recommend masks for Australians too: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-04/coronavirus-covid-19-…

                    That changed pretty quickly, didn't it?

                    I don't believe my thinking is endangering any lives and the stats in Australia support it. You can see here:
                    https://www.tga.gov.au/periodic/covid-19-vaccine-weekly-safe…

                    At the moment, you have to make an informed decision on your health, and I believe getting the vaccine poses a much greater risk of side effects compared to COVID-19!

                    1 person has died of COVID in 2021 in Australia. So YOUR thinking is endangering lives at the moment and they most likely won't have a future.

                    • +1

                      @RocketSwitch: Advice changes as experts in the field are better informed.
                      Waiting years to be sure, following a group that protests against wearing masks, all won't save lives now!

                      Listening to extremist groups in the USA, is certainly not being informed on this major health issue!

                      • @Rather be Travelling: I'm taking note due to children and this side effect isn't new and has been reported to the TGA and around the world as well. I wouldn't put my child at risk. But, we all have to balance that risk ratio and I hope you make an informed decision too.

                        • @RocketSwitch: Oh I was informed. I'm vaccinated with AZ. No side effects.

                          1 person has died of COVID in 2021 in Australia. So YOUR thinking is endangering lives at the moment and they most likely won't have a future
                          That makes no sense, as you should know, but obviously don't!

                          Got a life to live. Maybe you should try it too!

                          • +1

                            @Rather be Travelling: I'm happy you have had no side effects :)

                            • @RocketSwitch: I'm happy too!
                              Somehow I am prone to extreme medicine side effects, with common meds. So I did my research.

                              Unfortunately there is a lot of fear & uncertainty in the community.
                              The Federal Govt issues advice that changes, conflicts, or is ill advised. That causes more fear & uncertainty.

                              Some groups capitalise on that fear. They gain followers & millions through misinformation. They incorporate covid into their existing fringe thinking to attract more.

                              And others just deny there is a problem, when it is obvious. It will go away…


                              At a conference overseas a few years back, chatted with NGO health workers. They told me the official line by the military government was there was no HIV or prostitution in the country.

                              No illness, no fear - a happier place! No need for condoms, information, or ways to stop the spread. Ideology & misinformation would protect!

                              They were working to protect the trafficked sex workers against HIV. Both didn't exist according to the govt! So if they were caught doing that work, they could be jailed or deported.


                              Illness has a long history of being used for shady financial & political purposes!
                              And don't forget religion & superstition are usually there too.

                              Humans are complex systems with different backgrounds, genetics, gender, dispositions. We take other medications etc, which can cause unexpected interactions with a new med - beyond even thorough trial data.

                              Common medications come with a long list of known side effects. Some could lead to death in rare cases. There are also unknown ones, which may become apparent only after long use. Some are even later withdrawn.

                              It's very difficult to determine a definite cause & effect relationship.There are many confounds.

                              Some people want to believe they know, based on misinformation or misunderstanding. (That's the way we are wired.)
                              "I took A, B happened, so A causes B!"
                              [A classic example of this was data showed drowning increased with an increase in consumption of ice cream. (a correlation - not causation)
                              So wait before swimming…
                              No the confound is Temperature. With increased temperature, both ice cream consumption & swimming increase! With increased swimming, there is an increased chance of drowning. The ice cream had nothing to do with the observed problem.]

                              Therefore, a cautious approach is normal, weighing the risks & benefits. Such as the recent change in advice for AZ.

                              So its fertile ground for those who want to stoke up fear & benefit from that.

      • And more:

        No sign that the COVID-19 vaccines’ spike protein is toxic or ‘cytotoxic’

        https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2021/jun/16/youtube-vi…

        And even more:

        The Anti-Vaccine Propaganda of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
        Or how an environmental lawyer led a crusade against vaccines and spread lies to marginalized communities

        https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/covid-19-health-pseudoscie…

        • -1

          Unlike the article I linked to there is no data or substance in that fact check. It's just "experts say", and "the FDA says". Well the FDA has massive conflicts of interest being financially invested in vaccines, and the fact checkers themselves are the same (those facts are there if you look and if you were prepared to spend time digging beyond what is fed to us you would discover that). But most do not make the effort. I know there will be many more responses like yours and it's pointless for me to say anything more to those that don't want to dig deeper. Maybe this discussion has sparked a few with open minds who are now off quietly looking into it with some effort.

          • +4

            @skysurfer: Typical comeback of an "anti vaxxer"… using a discredited groups propaganda to support their ideas without any real understanding. But asking others to follow them down their favoured rabbit hole.

          • @skysurfer: You keep digging then - I'm sure you will come up with the answer you are looking for.

            • @jackspratt: Oh skysurfer has found the answer they want to believe - no need to look further!
              It's everyone else they want to believe what they do…

  • +12

    geee some of the comments in this thread make me wonder just how many idiots are out there.

    Remember the time where we thought people were only idiots because they didn't have access to information? yeah, that's not it.

    • If you count up who is labelling others as idiots in this thread and who is not labelling anyone but just presenting information and suggesting more research, you will find the pro vaxxers doing the simple name calling. I think that says something by itself.

      • -2

        Exactly, LOL, didn't know the pro-vaxxers were experts in epidemiology and virology, was there a degree on OzBargain I missed? So many ignorant people here who blindly follow anything. Come on use your negs, only have 5!

  • -3

    Would not take 2k for the AZ
    QLD residents over 60 are written off to get clogged !! We all "love" our ruler who changed the law in the aftermath when questioned!

  • +8

    Lots of salty anti-vaxers posting on here. If this encourages people to go out and get vaccinated as soon as possible, why complain?

    Just for clarity. The worldwide death toll is 3.86 million people. We are in the year 2021 and yet 3.86 million people/families torn apart and devastated by this virus.

    If you have not spent your life becoming an expert in the fields of epidemiology and virology. Keep your opinions to yourself.

    • Same goes with pro-vaxers too though if they're not an expert that should keep their opinions to themselves too right? Goes both ways. BTW, have all my vaccines that have been approved with studies for the last 5 years and not for emergency use btw. Thought I make that statement before those salty pro-vaxers get on their expert high horse.

      • +4

        The difference between the two groups are extreme, though.

        Read the downvoted comments properly, they purely spouting misinformed dribble.

      • +1

        How many global pandemics have required the mobilization of all immunology/virology scientists across the globe? This pandemic meant companies shared all information and intellectual property willingly. I suggest you read the hundreds of published papers on Covid-19 and the vaccines.

        This is a good start:
        https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00947-8/fulltext

        Side note: I am a credentialed scientist (not an expert in virology/immunology) that works for a pharmaceutical company. The company I work for does NOT make human vaccines, however our BOD allowed all experts in the field to work (paid by us) for other organizations. The sole purpose was to find a vaccine for this virus which is a threat to humanity as we know it. This is not a joke. We are unfortunately going through in a once in a lifetime event. Unfortunately with globalization and overpopulation, it may become generational,

        This is why the Covid-19 vaccines were produced faster than ever before. In addition, we are in 2021…. Have you seen what that mobile phone in your pocket is capable of? Medicine and science is advancing just as quickly.

        FYI: Pharmaceuticals get approved for emergency/fast tracked use all the time. Not just vaccinations. If we waited 5 years for pediatric cancer treatments without emergency/compassionate use pathways… well you get the point. Wait 5 years before we release the Covid-19 vaccine?, don't just multiply the current death toll (3.86 million) by 5, think about that figure in exponential terms.

        One last point… for everyone thinking overseas travel is a far away myth. I suggest you look globally. Countries have already begun opening up borders for those fully vaccinated. I have friends currently holidaying (fully vaccinated) in Italy and Tanzania. We are winning this battle. Get vaccinated for everyone, not just you.

        • I'm not doubting the speed to market or our technology to get the vaccine where it is today. But as a scientist, you will know this is absolutely NEW technology that has never been administrated in humans before.

          And as a scientist, you know that we don't know what the long term side effects are, which means you cannot fast track this because we haven't developed technology to speed through time or time travel.

          And as a scientist, you would know that it's ill-advised to tell the entire population the vaccine is 100% safe when your due diligence hasn't been done.

          I mean, what's going on here? All of a sudden we have ditched the bloody rules? Why won't you guys admit it's an experiment still and those findings are still in progress?

          My argument has always been you cannot fast track the results. If you look at the stats for COVID, how could you recommend a blanket vaccine like this? It should only be given to those at risk. I would not put it in the same category as cancer!

          BUT, I understand that we all need to be vaccinated to ensure we can eliminate the variants, but I don't believe we'll get there, just look at influenza! So is it worth the possible carnage later on if we find detrimental side effects that could apply to billions of people, what then? What's the solution to that? Oh shit?

          • +1

            @RocketSwitch: I think you need to research mRNA more thoroughly my friend. We don't take stabs in the dark when trying new medication on humans. They go through multiple phases of clinical trials and mechanistic studies. Sometimes we see results we don't expect (good and bad). But at the end of the day, mRNA technology is incredible specific and therefore unlikely to cause long term harm. Can you say the same thing about a virus that continues to mutate over time.

            FYI - Covid-19 vaccines have now been trialed in over 10,000 pregnant women. I suggest looking at the outcomes here for more assurances. Any medication used in pregnancy is a risk, however those experts decided the risk outweighs the potential harm.

            No one has ditched the rules, all vaccine production went through rigorous regulatory processes. Just for clarity, the average medication sold in Australia costs $1 billion dollars to go from molecule to marketed product. I would imagine, far more resources were put into this vaccine. As you know, most countries signed underwritten contracts/guarantees to support the production of these vaccines.

            Saying "As a Scientist" multiple times, does not make your post/message anymore powerful or accurate… So please stop.

            It is not my intention to be rude or condescending, but honestly you sound like a standard citizen who has not read anything on the topic other than what is provided by the media or radicals. I think you need to open up google scholar and read the thousands of trials that now exist. Hopefully this will reassure you.

            775 Million people are now fully vaccinated globally. Put that into perspective. If you were worries about seeing long term harm. The signal would be occurring in more than just a few hundred people globally.

            We live in a world where evidence based medicine and science is gold standard. Nothing has changed.

            Regarding variants, the Pfizer vaccine has shown fantastic efficacy against the delta variant to date. No we may never eliminate Covid-19, however the reduction in serious death, hospitalization and long term harm are significant and clearly visible to date. The long term harm from exposure to the Covid-19 virus in an unvaccinated state is not well established.

            No medication is safe for everyone. We have never had a silver bullet in medicine. But please have faith in humanity. Faith in science and medicine. Faith that we just want to get things back to normal, without causing you and your family harm.

            • -1

              @hypie: Thank you for taking the time to reply. I do apologise for repeatedly using "as a scientist" more than once (clumsy expression on my behalf), didn't mean to come across like that, just writing what came to mind.

              We also live in a world where we're not transparent. The inventor of the mRNA and DNA vaccine tech, Dr. Robert Malone says this vaccine is gene therapy. The more I read, the more I am concerned: https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2021/06/…

              • +2

                @RocketSwitch: Thanks for that link - very enlightening.

                Joseph Mercola (an osteopath) - who runs the website - has promoted these views (according to wiki):

                In 2020, Mercola was one of the partners in a website called "Stop Covid Cold" offering advice to the public on preventing and treating Covid-19 with alternative remedies. The website includes links to Mercola's online store and puts a strong emphasis on vitamin D supplements, despite a lack of scientific evidence pointing to the effectiveness of such a treatment

                and

                Mercola claimed that inhaling 0.5–3% hydrogen peroxide solution using a nebulizer could prevent or cure COVID-19

                https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Mercola#COVID-19

                Interesting. 🤔

                • +1

                  @jackspratt: Yeah look my take is… stick to peer reviewed clinical trial papers published in reputable scientific journals.

                  mRNA is highly specific and as such is more costly. I suggest reading this page for further insight and if curious, look through the TGA product information.

                  https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-…

                  The TGA allows anyone to access the Product Information of any medication approved for use in Australia. This will give you insight as to why the TGA approved this medication.

                  https://tga-search.clients.funnelback.com/s/search.html?quer…

                  Direct link to PI:
                  http://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?…

                  Hopefully the new outbreak in Sydney wakes everyone up to the fact we can't just close borders and hide from Covid-19 forever. It will eventually get here.

                  Looking at current rates of vaccination online. We are sitting at 4% fully vaccinated. This is a massive failing by all parties in power, given the stability we have had. I'm disappointed and I hope you are too.

                  Side note: I am 32 and had my first pfizer vaccination last week, just before they announced anyone from the public (30-39) could access the vaccine. I have no patient contact. I had a sore arm and minor fatigue for half a day. No other adverse events observed on my part. Statistics show a slight increase in observed adverse events from the second dose. I'm excited and looking forward to it.

                  Second note: the TGA is well known as being the most rigorous medicine regulatory body in the world. They are a necessary pharmaceutical road block, that has protected Australian lives for years through diligence and data analysis. They take this job very very seriously.

                  • @hypie: Thanks for those links.

                    So TGA has provisionally approved the vaccine based on that study.

                    The few problems for me is:

                    • The duration of protection is unknown as it is still being determined by ongoing clinical trials. As stated here: https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf…

                    • We are promoting high vaccination rates for protection with utmost confidence, but the protection is unknown? Also, boosters are unknown as well.

                    • Also, we couldn't rule out the potential for COVID-19 enhancement from the vaccine, we don't know this for sure at the moment: https://cdn.pfizer.com/pfizercom/2020-11/C4591001_Clinical_P…

                    • The last few things I wanted to mention, I was excited when more than 90% was effective in a Phase 3 trial, but Pfizer didn't release the data for the interim analysis which was not peer-reviewed or published.

                    • They also didn't show asymptomatic infections in the trial, so it’s possible that those who have been vaccinated could still be asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19, spreading the disease to others.

                    So in light of all that, TGA pretty much says, all that is unknown, what we do know is the 90% effectiveness, in about 93 people.

                    We are really in a big experiment. Do I care? For me, yeah, but maybe this is necessary to speed up research, so why not, I'll wait, however. I'm hoping for a good outcome.

              • @RocketSwitch: Still trying to convert others to your anti - vaxxer beliefs I see!

                Your earlier link to "research" (above my criticism of it, as it was from one of the main anti-vaccine groups in the USA) was unpublished as inappropriate!!

                Then there was your support for the position of US right wing group AFLDS campaigning against basic public health measures like mask wearing - to show how the vaccine is dangerous!
                America's Frontline Doctors is an American right-wing political organization. Founded by Simone Gold and promoted by the Tea Party Patriots, it has opposed lockdowns and social distancing mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic by citing alleged and unapproved treatments for COVID-19

                Now your "reputable" source is a major financial beneficiary & financier of the anti - vaxx movement! - Joseph Mercola

                And yet you deny you are an "anti - vaxxer". Lol!

                Like cults, believers never miss an opportunity to bring in the gullible to their group! They pose their request to read their literature as just being "informed". And challenge non-believers in how they got their information.
                Once those new converts become "infected", they spread the 'infection' to others… Like a virus!

                It's very hard to stop believers believing. Best to challenge the spread.

                With covid, we challenge it's spread with information from research & experts in the field, public health measures (personal hygiene, distancing, masks, quarantine of suspected infected cases), and now vaccines.

                "The more I read, the more I am concerned:"
                Totally unbelievable!

                • @Rather be Travelling: That escalated quickly, I was more interested in people he was quoting and interviewed. So, I'm not like you in the sense where I am seeking to disprove everything, but rather gather all information on all fronts.

                  Yeah, I'm not an anti-vaxxer, I got all my vaccines, even before my son was born for whooping cough. I, however, don't get the flu vaccine, as I believe it's not worth getting. Again, I did my research.

                  You can stick to your confirmation bias, but all I am interested in is gathering expert advice and weighing all that up. Mercola might not be the best resource, but he has had some amazing advice my doctors had no idea about.

                  • @RocketSwitch: "I'm not an anti-vaxxer"
                    "all I am interested in is gathering expert advice and weighing all that up" - while only pushing the views of anti vax groups!

                    Spoken like fervent cult believers I interviewed long ago in Social Psychology!

                    I was also a consultant to research scientists at a Uni I lectured at, to help develop new ideas & thinking in their fields.

                    The pitfalls in thinking was a common area of discussion, and a challenge when reading a submitted thesis - looking for bias in the researchers work.

                    When a person pushes their unbalanced belief in a field, it is always best to question why they are pushing that belief. Especially so when they repeatedly deny it! And accuse others of bias (they seemingly claim they don't have)!


                    I come across people pushing different theories (for the development of the cosmos after the big bang, in a meeting on Sunday - not my field so what do I know, I was interested in the person's thinking). The difficulty is in determining if they are a crackpot or a genius. And whether they can support their theory (it is a very hard task to turn over an accepted idea).
                    People send me their writing. But before reading it, I determine why I should read it - why is it important to them. Is their thinking sound?

                    My biggest joy is when an accepted belief or theory is overthrown. I have visited museums overseas, which have challenged what I had taught. And an important archaeological site in Japan which overthrew the understanding of how Japan developed in the early Jomon period.
                    The joy of discovering a new way of viewing a field I thought I understood is exhilarating!


                    I am not personally concerned about the vaccine - to travel to conferences & travel overseas (in person is always more productive), the consensus seems to be travellers will need to be vaccinated. So, to do what I love, examining other beliefs isn't personally worthwhile.

                    Am only interested in how you repeatedly push fringe beliefs, seemingly based on misunderstandings of research, gossip & misinformation. Reminds me of spending time with cult believers.

                    These days, there is so much money & power to be gained by influencing others to beliefs or products.

                    • @Rather be Travelling: I enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for taking the time to write this.

                      I do have bias, I don't like the idea, but that's because so much is unknown, I wrote above what's unknown. To me, that doesn't sit well, so in one way, I do have confirmation bias.

                      But, once all that is unknown is known and it's positive, I'd gladly line up for the jab (or jabs?).

                      However, for the moment, I believe I'm making a sound choice in waiting to be more informed on making the right decision for my health.

                      It's strange how we're pushing this vaccine like never before, with incentives, also to the point of forcing everyone, on such limited results and research. So it's a red flag for me, HUGE red flag. That's all. If there's money to be made, I'm surprised you haven't mentioned the big pharma companies who are making a coin on this. Surely, they're not perfect right?

                      • +1

                        @RocketSwitch: "we're pushing this vaccine like never before, with incentives"

                        What incentives?
                        No incentive here!
                        I don't know of any. (So that's why you're waiting😉)

                        Even the Government is happy with a slow roll out - there isn't enough supply! They aren't even interested in advertising it.


                        In this "Deal" the vaccine is being used purely as a (cynical) marketing tool.
                        Seems those complaining about the vaccine missed this obvious point!

                        Only those who are vaccinated, will likely be able to travel.
                        So market only to the vaccinated & those who want the vaccine. Pure marketing!

                        Obviously those negative to the vaccine will not likely be able to travel beyond NZ, so are of no interest to this business at this time.


                        Self interest is an important driver.

                        And we're all biased.
                        Recognising our own biases, failings & motivations is important in making decisions & acting with integrity.

                        So it's good to examine why something is being promoted…


                        I'm surprised you haven't mentioned the big pharma companies
                        No friend of mine. But necessary unless we structure & fund medicine differently world wide.

                        Interesting times can bring interesting changes…
                        How COVID spurred Africa to plot a vaccines revolution


                        …Besides, we all know 5G is to blame😳

                      • @RocketSwitch: My Uni sent me to a seminar on the "Unknown" by a visiting Professor from USA. They knew me well!
                        It dealt with issues like the unknown, unknowns! Important in research thinking & design. But very challenging.

                        It can take a long time (if ever) for unknowns to be known. There are usually still more unknown, unknowns.


                        I've helped fund & assist groups who had important knowledge or views to share. Those weren't necessarily views I shared. I believed what they wanted heard needed a broader audience. To open dialogue.

                        I encouraged thinking differently, of thinking for yourself - not influenced by others.

                        That brought a heap of trouble.
                        Special Branch (political) Police were stationed at my front door. Visitors who braved the intimidation were photographed & questioned. The Qld Government at that time didn't want freedom of thinking! Lawyers & Politicians supported me. That Government fell in disgrace.

                        Vested interests & systems protect themselves! They are hard to change. It can be brutal for those who think differently!


                        I established a business helping people think differently. My CBD office was full of children's books & soft toys. Play can help bring insight that serious thought won't.
                        Had varied clients - Minister of Government, State Manager of Multinational, actor, artists, sportspeople… Learnt so much from all of them.
                        Watching a person 'see' something for the first time is exhilarating.

                        And a social enterprise training & employing those out of work or with problems. Profits went into community projects I established.

  • +4

    I'd suggest avoiding Luxury Escapes. We had our trip cancelled because of the lockdowns and they've been dragging their feet in actually giving a refund.

    The hotel I booked never received any money from them, so they've just been holding onto my $5000 for more than a year now. Their support takes days to reply to you and they blatantly go against their own refund policy. Look at ProductReview or Trustpilot for other people ripped off by them.

  • +3

    been many times I have looked at Luxury Escapes deals and I ended up being able to get a better deal myself. Sometimes their "deals" aren't that great.

  • -1

    This deal is a joke.

    1. Unless you are a foreigner leaving the country for good, you can't go on holiday abroad.
    2. The prices on that website are way more expensive than you can find elsewhere
    3. Sharing your vaccination document with a private business sounds dodgy.
    • +2

      1) Maybe some people like to plan ahead: "The voucher is valid until 30 Jun 2022, but can be booked for a later date."
      2) Is everything $200 more expensive than elsewhere?
      3) It won't be long until this is the norm to get on flights for example, just look around the world what's happening elsewhere

      1. Wrong! Plenty are already holidaying abroad - in NZ & others are going!
        Even the PM did a bit of holidaying OS, but returned!

      2. Just as expensive cars are posted as Deals because the price is reduced… way more expensive than you can find (cars) elsewhere
        People can do their research & make their choices - as in all Deals. As this is primarily for travel by middle of next year, prices will vary by then. The offer is a reduced price for numerous travel destinations - which makes it a Deal. (But not a Deal I'd take up.)

      3. By middle of next year (when this Deal's code expires), most in Australia are likely to be vaccinated.
        Showing your vaccine status (on Medicare site) when booking & flying beyond our current overseas travel bubble - NZ, will most likely be required. Same as we now need to show our Passport.

  • Not really a deal given the availability and price, and only useful for an extremely minor group.

    • On Ozbargain, Deals don't have to be for everyone! Just at a reduced price.

      I wouldn't pay their price - but that's a choice, like in all Deals.

      Promo codes issued will expire on 30 June 2022!
      Seems we show Vaccination status at time of booking to get $200 discount (no check when requesting code) - so majority should be vaccinated in next year.

      Invalid Neg Vote by OzBargain Voting Guidelines

  • -2

    No deal. No Australians can leave.
    This is also coercion for the vaccine.

    • +3

      No Australians can leave

      Rubbish!! Plenty are or are intending to leave for OS!

      Promo codes issued will expire on 30 June 2022!
      You claim No Australians can leave - for NZ before middle of next year?? Plenty are already in NZ.
      Australians leave (with permits) for other overseas destinations every week. Including the PM!

      No coercion - vaccination is not mandatory. Neither is overseas travel!

      But vaccination is likely to be necessary to travel beyond our current travel bubble of NZ!!

      As this is an overseas travel promotion - not surprising it's for those who will be vaccinated to travel by middle of next year. We can't take up this Deal unless we intend to travel, which will likely require we show our vaccine status.

      Seems the vaccine status (if actually required in this Deal) is only needed to be shown at time of booking - so plenty of time to get vaccinated to allow you to travel further than NZ in the future.

      Invalid Neg Vote by OzBargain Voting Guidelines

    • +2

      No Australians can leave.
      Best to check your facts before making false claims!

      Check the Australian Government information on overseas travel - to NZ.
      ALL Australians^ can leave!
      (^except those from hotspots like Vic or those who visited there recently - a 2 week pause in place)
      Similar travel restrictions as to other States of Australia.

  • +3

    Medical science gets things wrong sometimes, including vaccines, so it's not entirely unwarranted to being cautious about a vaccine for a novel virus. But overwhelmingly vaccines save countless live probably our grandparents and so are probably the reason we're all here to sqauble from a place of safety.

    Let's recap why people are concerned about vaccines, with a short story of scam artist who wished to profit from lies.

    "Claims of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism have been extensively investigated and found to be false.[1] The link was first suggested in the early 1990s and came to public notice largely as a result of the 1998 Lancet MMR autism fraud, characterised as "perhaps the most damaging medical hoax of the last 100 years".[2] The fraudulent research paper authored by Andrew Wakefield and published in The Lancet claimed to link the vaccine to colitis and autism spectrum disorders. The paper was retracted in 2010[3] but is still cited by anti-vaccinationists.

    Following the initial claims in 1998, multiple large epidemiological studies were undertaken. Reviews of the evidence by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,[10] the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Institute of Medicine of the US National Academy of Sciences,[11] the UK National Health Service,[12] and the Cochrane Library[13] all found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.[14] Physicians, medical journals, and editors[15][16][17][18][19] have described Wakefield's actions as fraudulent and tied them to epidemics and deaths.

    An investigation by journalist Brian Deer found that Wakefield, the author of the original research paper linking the vaccine to autism, had multiple undeclared conflicts of interest[22][23] had manipulated evidence,[24] and had broken other ethical codes.[which?] The Lancet paper was partially retracted in 2004 and fully retracted in 2010, when Lancet's editor-in-chief Richard Horton described it as "utterly false" and said that the journal had been deceived.[25] Wakefield was found guilty by the General Medical Council of serious professional misconduct in May 2010 and was struck off the Medical Register, meaning he could no longer practise as a physician in the UK.[26] In 2011, Deer provided further information on Wakefield's improper research practices to the British Medical Journal, which in a signed editorial described the original paper as fraudulent.[27][28] The scientific consensus is that there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism and that the vaccine's benefits greatly outweigh its potential risks."

    The guy did bad science in the interest of personal profit at the detriment of children's lives. And he's somehow the poster boy for the uneducated educated middle class people.

    • Are you forgetting the roll out of the polio vaccine in the US in the 1950s, 80s & 90s…? Badly manufactured vaccines have caused irreparable damage to both lives and reputation.

      • No, im not forgetting.

        The first thing that anti vaxers cite is the above; Not historical events.

        Again, "overwhelmingly vaccines save countless lives probably our grandparents and so are probably the reason we're all here to sqauble from a place of safety".

  • Someone please offer a free toaster for getting the jab. There will be a stampede.

Login or Join to leave a comment