Locally run advertisements urging people to go on 'anti vaccination' tours have been met with disapproval after the COVID-19 death toll continues to climb around the country.
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An advertisement that ran in a local Dubbo publication from a group called the Australian Vaccination Risks Network encouraged residents to sign up to bring a touring bus to their community.
The group, which launched their bus tour at the start of the month, have described the tour as an act of 'citizen journalism' aimed at giving a voice to families.
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While only Queensland locations were currently listed as prospective stops, the advertisement called on anyone who's child had been 'injured or killed' by vaccines to sign up for the tour and has not finalised a complete schedule.
Dubbo and the surrounding regions have not reported a single active COVID-19 case since April, but a recent uptick in cases has sparked fears of a 'second wave' occurring in NSW.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Western NSW Local Health District said vaccination and immunisation were still the best way to protect a populace.
"Immunisation is one of the most effective and cost-efficient public health measures for the control of vaccine-preventable diseases," the spokesperson said.
"Before vaccination campaigns in the 1960s and 1970s, diseases like tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough killed thousands of children."
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said that he shared the viewpoint of the Australian Medical Association, calling the advertisements 'disturbing'.
"The Australian Medical Association's position on the benefits of vaccination is well-known, and I personally share that stance," Mr Saunders said.
"I find it disturbing that a group would engage in advertising or participating in an anti-vax tour during the middle of a pandemic."
At a time when we are encouraging people to do everything possible to stop the spread of a virus, we have a minority trying to debunk the benefits of vaccination, and I think that it is highly irresponsible."
Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said ignoring medical advice had a serious risk factor attached to it for families.
"Australians have led the world in tackling Coronavirus outbreaks, and I believe we've done exceptionally well here in the Parkes electorate," Mr Coulton said.
"This success comes from heeding sound medical advice."
"Those who ignore medical experts run the very real risk of placing themselves, their families, and their community in danger."