That is a good point and know it a strong feeling of people in NZ. Sadly with recent strains the vaccine seems to do little to stop people catching it. Does protect a lot against bad symptoms which is good.
I hate masks, i have worn them for 2+ years now as it is my duty to protect the kids at my school the best i can. ( they have actually left indents in my ears but that not putting my health at risk so i sucked it up. They did actually change the 2 year old thing stating it hard to enforce 2 year olds to wear masks and it can infact be counter productive, (we all know how clean 2 year olds can be) but recommended where possible.
I have also been double vaccinated, somewhat reluctantly though. I got the first vaccine almost as early as i could even though i had already caught covid and believed i was largely protected (on my doctors word). However the day after getting the first vaccine i ended up being rushed to hospital as i couldn't breathe. was likely heart related as my heart rate was crazy when i got to the hospital. I felt forced to take the risk of having bad side affects to the 2nd vaccine because of mandates and MIQ situation in NZ. I could get a exception but with family in NZ (some of you might remember my dad had a bad accident 2 years ago ) I know that if something happens to family member in nz if i am exempted i am still unvaccinated and will be treated as such. the chances of being able to see my family in a hurry are greatly reduced.
With recent research from the CDC and in Israel it also seems that infection with covid does seem to protect you against catching it more than the vaccine. obviously getting the vaccine after covid infection protects you more. However having Covid counts for nothing. This does not make sense to me.
I feel the mandates could use some working on which will make them better and solve some of the problems the mandates create.
Edit: I didn't have that bad reaction to 2nd vaccine. just the usual fever and feeling like shark for a couple days
I am also not suggesting that everyone goes out and catches covid