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Conspiracy Theories

How can we better understanding common vaccine perceptions? Here, we explore the idea of 'conspiracy theories' as a root.
Graffiti of the word 'scandemic'.

Often, conspiracy theories can become more common when people fear that they may be losing control because of a certain events.

Conspiracy theories exist to explain the facts of a situation in a way which is different to the accepted norm. They also focus blame on a specific group of people. People may choose to follow conspiracy theories in order to escape inconvenient facts.

Big Pharma

Speech bubble with the following text: ‘‘Pharmaceutical companies are only interested in making money and are not trying to help people’’

This theme claims that vaccines are part of a conspiracy by ‘Big Pharma’ (typically medical, pharmaceutical, regulatory, and/or health organisations, including health care professionals) in order to increase profits. Supporters of vaccines are perceived to be in the pocket of these organisations.

Targeting Marginalised Groups

Speech bubble with the following text: ‘‘‘Vaccinations are made to harm marginalised groups like people in prisons.’’

Poorer countries and minority groups are often marginalised and experience health inequalities. Therefore, it is understandable that people would want to be alert to such inequalities and defend their right to receive high-quality medical treatments, regardless of their ethnicity, gender or country of birth.

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Prison Health: Vaccinations for People Working and Living in Prisons (Non-Vaccine Trained Staff)

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FutureLearn - Learning For Life

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