Time to “have a chat” to get the facts on immunisation with a trusted GP

Yesterday, we launched a national social media campaign encouraging people to “have the jab chat” with their trusted GP about any concerns or questions they have immunisation. 

Launched ahead of World Immunisation Week, the Have the jab chat campaign responds to growing confusion about where Australians are getting their health information — and how that information is influencing decisions about vaccination.  

In a media statement, federal AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said misinformation spreads faster than facts online, and increasingly sophisticated content — including deepfakes — can make unreliable information sound credible. 

“That creates real confusion for people who are genuinely trying to make the right decision about their health,” Dr McMullen said.  

The campaign is designed to encourage and support Australians, who feel unsure or overwhelmed, to access advice they can trust. Australians deserve advice that is trustworthy, tailored to them and delivered in a confidential setting. 

It comes as misinformation and anti-science sentiment undermines public trust, and vaccination rates continue to fall. 

Immunisation is the most successful and cost-effective intervention globally. Falling vaccination rates have far-reaching consequences with preventable diseases re-emerging, driving up hospital admissions in already log-jammed hospitals and overstretched emergency departments.