Aussies support vaccination
October 14, 2011
NINETY-four percent of
Australians are in favour of
vaccination, according to a recent
Newspoll survey, however amongst
many, misconceptions still remain.
The survey looked at responses
from 1,200 Aussies aged over 18
years and found that whilst the
overwhelming majority supported
vaccination, a staggering one in
four believed that natural
homeopathic remedies are an
effective alternative to conventional
vaccines, despite there being no
research to support this claim.
“Vaccines are the single biggest
public health advance of the 20th
century,” said Professor Robert
Booy, head of clinical research at
the National Centre for Immunisation
Research and Surveillance.
“While it’s heartening to see
Australians understand the
importance of vaccines in
preventing diseases spread, the
number of misconceptions out
there is worrying.
“Australians are clearly confused
about this issue,” he added.
Other interesting trends turned
up by researchers included the fact
that 15% of Australians believe that
vaccines weaken the immune
system, and 7% believe that
children do not need to be
vaccinated because the baby’s
immune system is adequately
developed through the placenta
and breast feeding.
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