Immunisation Myths and Realities: responding to arguments against immunisation 5th edition
Myths and Realities gives health professionals information to address some of the most commonly held myths about immunisation.
The 5th edition includes updated information on:
- the notifications of vaccine preventable diseases;
- the risk of intussusception following rotavirus vaccine;
- MMR vaccine and autism;
- influenza vaccine; and
- reporting adverse events following immunisation.
PDF printable version of Myths and Realities is divided into the following sections:
- Cover page (PDF 4354 KB);
- Copyright (PDF 64 KB);
- Contents (PDF 110 KB);
- Introduction, beliefs about vaccination and responding to concerns (PDF 111 KB)
- Myths and concerns about vaccination (PDF 443 KB)
- Realities of vaccination (PDF 886 KB); and
- Appendix (PDF 102 KB).
Myths and Realities was first published in 1994; the fourth edition was released in 2008. The fifth edition has been prepared by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS).
From June 2013, hard copies of Myths and Realities will be sent to Australian immunisation providers including general practitioners, nurses, midwives, pharmacists and Aboriginal health workers. Myths and Realities will also be sent to hospitals, aged care facilities, child and maternal health associations, medical colleges, state and territory health units, Medicare Locals, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and immunisation committees.
An alternate accessible version of Myths and Realities is under development. A full PDF printable version of Myths and Realities is available below.
Enquiries regarding Myths and Realities can be forwarded to Immune Coord (immune.coord@health.gov.au).
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Page last modified: 24 May, 2012


