Sam Frost of Home and Away made headlines last month for refusing the Covid-19 vaccination, only to backtrack this week and agree to get the shot.
Her co-star Lynne McGranger has subsequently backed her, claiming that the cast and crew are still behind her despite their disagreements with her anti-vax beliefs.
‘Everyone is really supportive of Sam,’ the 68-year-old actress told Fitzy and Wippa on Thursday. We may all have different viewpoints, but one thing the actors and crew have in common is that we are all supportive.’
Sam has accepted the implications of not being vaccinated until next year, according to the Summer Bay veteran, who has advocated the vaccination on social media. This means her character will have to be temporarily written out.
‘She understands that everyone is behind her, and we don’t want to lose her because we care about her,’ Lynne added.
‘I believe she’s a fantastic little actor and a nice person,’ says the author.
The incident began when Sam posted a video to Instagram last month in which she tearfully acknowledged she was unvaccinated and was having mental health issues as a result of others’ judgement.
‘I was extremely worried about shooting a video or even speaking up against this type of issue, but I feel like the world is coming to a place where there’s a lot more division today,’ she explained.
‘There’s a lot of harsh judgement and comments being tossed about a lot, and it’s definitely affecting my mental health, and I know people around me are hurting, especially if they don’t want to be vaccinated for whatever reason.’
‘There are many various reasons why individuals do not get vaccinated, and it might be because to their medical history, their worries, their family history, or religious beliefs.’
Sam then claimed she had not been vaccinated, but that she had discussed her option with her doctor and a psychologist; nevertheless, it is thought she does not have a genuine medical exemption.
‘It’s a really terrible moment to be in society right now, and you feel like you’re less of a human, and you feel like others criticise you,’ she continued bitterly.
‘And you’re too afraid to express your thoughts or sentiments, and a part of you wants to go,’ “It’s none of your business why I’m not here! And there are valid reasons for this, and I don’t want you to pass judgement on me “”‘ ‘
She stated that it was critical for the unvaccinated to take care of their mental health, especially when fully vaccinated Australians regain their freedoms.
‘I’m having a lot of trouble with my mental health, but I like to think I’m on top of it.’ I go to a psychologist on a regular basis. So I can’t image what it’s like for folks who don’t have a support system in place,’ she explained.
She went on to say that coming out publicly as unvaccinated may bring her in jeopardy, before imploring people to treat one another with greater respect and compassion.
