Immunisation is one of the most successful and cost- effective public health interventions in existence, however, despite being one of modern medicine’s greatest success stories, vaccination and immunisation have been subject to debate and the spread of false information. This resource supports health and care professionals to recognise, understand and respond to false vaccine information. It explores vaccine misinformation and disinformation, vaccine hesitancy, vaccine safety, common vaccine myths, and evidence-based approaches to vaccine conversations. It aims to build confidence in discussing vaccination concerns and supporting informed decision making.
False vaccine information can affect confidence in vaccination and contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Healthcare professionals play an important role in supporting informed decision making by providing trusted, evidence-based information and addressing concerns about vaccination.
This short presentation provides an overview of false vaccine information, how it spreads, and its impact on vaccine confidence. It also highlights practical approaches for supporting effective vaccination conversations.
Video of Presentation from Learning Event on 25th August 2026, Dr Heather Murdoch Supporting vaccine decisions in pregnancy
PDF of PowerPoint slides from Learning Event on 25th August, Supporting vaccine decisions in Pregnancy Dr Heather Murdoch
This interactive Sway explores false vaccine information and vaccine hesitancy in more detail. It examines historical and contemporary examples of vaccine misinformation, including concerns relating to pertussis, MMR, thiomersal and COVID-19 vaccines, and provides practical approaches for addressing concerns and responding to misinformation through evidence-based conversations.
To increase understanding of current issues and false information regarding vaccines and to support you to provide trusted evidence-based information to support informed decision making.
· Describe the facts and myths relating to current vaccines and list key points for responding to peoples' fears
· Understand the extent and the nature of the threat posed by false vaccination information
· Identify reliable information on potential new issues
· Critically evaluate allegations and media reporting of vaccine issues
· Feel confident to have two-way conversations with patients who may have been influenced by false vaccine information and provide trusted information to support informed decision making
Approximately 45 to 60 minutes
SWAY Presentation Combating false vaccine information