There is a great deal of misinformation and fear-mongering around the covid-19 vaccine. We have a responsibility to base our decisions on reliable information and solid moral principles.

The Australian government website has up-to-date information on the vaccines, the approval process and rollout.

The Pontifical Academy for Life – a Vatican body – has put out a paper discussing some of the moral issues. The paper agrees with the Catholic bishops of England and Wales who said that

individuals should welcome the vaccine not only for the sake of their own health but also out of solidarity with others, especially the most vulnerable.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has information on the process of vaccine approval.

There is also vaccine information in several languages on the Commonwealth Department of Health website.

I look forward to receiving the vaccine as do the other priests of the Cathedral. Let us all play our part in keeping the community safe.