The fact that people are strange beings is confirmed by yet another consumer trend that emerged as a byproduct of the pandemic. Social media users call it 'vaxinista' – a combination of the words 'fashionista' and 'vaccine', and it describes a) vaccinated individuals who, by the way, posted selfies after vaccination; b) individuals wearing clothing with slogans like 'vaccinated' or 'pfizer pham'; c) individuals who publicly express a preference for a specific vaccine, whether it be Moderna, Pfizer, or Astra; and d) individuals who collect/purchase pharmaceutical memorabilia.
The latter particularly surprises the general public, as well as pharmaceutical companies that have suddenly discovered a completely new niche – vaccination-merch or promotional products for 'vaxinistas'.
Pure fun
As reported by the Guardian magazine, in recent months eBay has recorded an increase in products that have some connection to the pharmaceutical companies that produced the vaccines. For instance, paper holders or pens with the AstraZeneca logo reach prices from £50 to £150.
An auction for a laboratory uniform from Pfizer started at a price of £196, while, for example, a T-shirt with the Disneyland Pfizer conference logo had a starting price of $144. There is also huge interest in newspapers announcing that the vaccine is ready, which are sold for around £40. As Professor and psychologist specializing in consumer habits at UCL, Dimitrios Tsivrikos told Guardian reporters, the pandemic has put consumers in a collecting mood, and many are convinced that certain items will significantly increase in value in about ten years. With their purchases, he says, they gain a sense of control, and for some, it helps them cope with the difficult situation.
