Anti-vaxx group to host film
But fear keeps it a secret
A CONTROVERSIAL anti-vaccination group the subject of government warnings for spreading misleading information is planning to screen a notorious documentary in Toowoomba - but its location will remain a secret.
The group, the Australian Vaccination-skeptics Network is promoting Vaxxed, a controversial documentary it claims exposes a US Centres for Disease Control cover-up about the link between the mumps, measles and rubella vaccine and autism in children.
A question and answer session with two of the film’s producers will follow via Skype - the only way possible after the Federal Government banned them from entering Australia.
Polly Tommey and Kent Heckenlively, who self-proclaims to be the “world’s number one anti-vaxxer” were both banned from entering Australia.
The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission in 2014 issued a warning relating to the AVN after an investigation found the group “does not provide reliable information in relation to certain vaccines and vaccination more generally”.
“The Commission considers that AVN’s dissemination of misleading, misrepresented and incorrect information about vaccination engenders fear and alarm and is likely to detrimentally affect the clinical management or care of its readers,” the Commission said.
“Given the issues identified with the information disseminated by the AVN, the Commission urges general caution is exercised when using AVN’s website or Facebook page to research vaccination and to consult with other reliable sources, including speaking to a medical practitioner, to make an informed decision.”
Despite previous film screenings drawing major concern and criticisms around Australia, the AVN is moving ahead with plans to hold the Toowoomba screening.
Vaxxed will screen at a secret location revealed only to ticket holders on Sunday, October 22.
“Due to the well-orchestrated threats of violence and abuse that come from the pro-censorship community, the exact venue will not be announced until the day of the screening,” the event website read.