THE NSW Health Care Complaints Commission has issued a public warning under s94A of the Health Care Compliants Act 1993 regarding "Misleading and Unsafe Practices by Anti-Vaccination Campaigners".
The HCCC said it was concerned about a number of complaints it continues to receive from such campaigners and the potential risks that such persons and associations pose to public health and safety.
"Anti-vax messages have the potential to engender fear and alarm in the community, often targeting vulnerable members of the community through misinformation which may have a detrimental effect on the health care decisions of individuals," the Commission warned.
The HCCC particularly highlighted selective quotes from scientific research and studies in support of anti-vax claims, including "exaggerating the risks and minimising or discrediting the benefits of vaccines.
"The research presented does not align with the evidence base on which independent and government bodies make recommendations," the HCCC said, urging consumers to exercise caution when relying on information promoted via social media and websites that are not government affiliated or endorsed.
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