Already this week there has been a lot of talk about mandatory vaccination measures in the news.
Both Queensland and Western Australia flagged they will soon be requiring travellers from NSW to show evidence of being vaccinated in order to enter their states.
Meanwhile, Qantas announced vaccinations will be compulsory for its staff, while federal Industrial Relations Minister Michaelia Cash called a workplace vaccination forum with major employers, unions and the Fair Work Ombudsman.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg according to Streem analysis, which looked at international coverage trends in countries with higher vaccination levels.
The analysis showed the average daily media mentions of compulsory vaccinations was up 346% in Australia in August so far when compared to February.
But that is a fraction of the 1746% increase seen globally.
Indeed, talk of compulsory vaccinations has boomed around the world, from the US to the Middle East, and Europe to Asia.
Most of the talk in Australia about mandatory vaccinations so far has centred on the workplace, but the scope had widened much further in countries such as the US, France and Italy.
While workplaces are still a major focus overseas, attention there is rapidly turning to requirements on patrons or customers to be vaccinated, whether that be to attend schools, restaurants, gyms or concerts.
On Monday, New York City introduced laws requiring people be vaccinated to attend gyms or concerts, as well as restaurants, while events and exhibitions in the UAE are open only to residents who are fully vaccinated.
Meanwhile, in France waves of protests greeted the expansion of their Health Pass system that has become compulsory in order to dine out, catch domestic flights or high-speed trains.
This issue is flaring up around the world, and it’s extremely divisive.
One recent US poll found 48% of Americans supported making vaccinations compulsory for US college students, while 49% were opposed.
Certainly we expect the prospect of compulsory vaccinations to only grow in prominence in Australian media over the coming months, as the vaccination rollout progresses further.
Streem’s Insights and Reporting team can supply deep media analysis of companies, topics or industries. Contact team lead Asha Oberoi for more information.