Over the last week, Canberra has seen significant disruptions to business as usual from a large contingent of anti-vaccination (and anti-vaccination mandates) protesters from all over Australia.

Whilst mostly peaceful the protests have at times been disruptive to traffic and businesses, and on occasion, disrespectful, intimidating and abusive towards individuals.

Tomorrow they are planning to protest at the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) vaccination super clinic where I am currently working. The protests are timed to coincide with a children’s “Superhero Day“, encouraging local kids in the 5 to 11 age group to get their first vaccination.

Whilst I support the right to peaceful protest, I feel the decision to demonstrate at the vaccination clinic specifically whilst children are presenting to receive their vaccination (an oftentimes already stressful situation for both parents and children) is at the very least dis-graceful.

There is expected to be a significant police presence at the AIS to maintain law and order at the access points to the clinic, and Chief Minister Andrew Barr has told media that the AIS will remain a “safe place for vaccinations to take place”.

Let us hope that cool heads, compassionate consideration and sensibleness prevail.

Photo credit: Karleen Minney for the Canberra Times.