Vaccine Choice Canada

Last updated
Vaccine Choice Canada
AbbreviationVCC
FounderEdda West [1]
TypeNon-profit advocacy organization
Location
President
Ted Kuntz [2] [3]
G Baribeau D Anderson T Kuntz
Website vaccinechoicecanada.com
Formerly called
Vaccination Risk Awareness Network (VRAN) [4]

Vaccine Choice Canada (VCC) is Canada's main anti-vaccination group. [1] [2] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] It was founded in the 1980s under the name Vaccination Risk Awareness Network (VRAN) and adopted its current name in 2014. [10] [11] The group has been contributing to vaccine hesitancy in Canada, encouraging citizens to forgo immunization and legislators to support anti-vaccine regulations and legislation. [1] [6]

Contents

Vaccine hesitancy

VCC spreads the discredited hypothesis that vaccination causes autism and denies that the introduction of vaccines led to a decline of the targeted diseases. They blame vaccination for a variety of ailments, including autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD, allergies, and asthma. [4] [12]

The group argues incorrectly that a vaccine against COVID-19 is unnecessary. Late in the pandemic, it still repeated the discredited myth that the pandemic is no more severe than the flu. [3]

Although a small fraction of vaccine doses provoke serious adverse reactions, health professionals agree the benefits of being protected against a wide range of infectious diseases far outweigh the risks. Responding directly to communications from Vaccine Choice Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada stated that the science on vaccines is unequivocal, but laments the actions of "a small but vocal anti-vaccination community that spreads false information. They use powerful emotional images and misinformation with their message. This creates confusion and fear for parents who are trying to make the best decisions for the health and wellbeing of their children." Timothy Caulfield estimates the proportion of Canadians who exhibit vaccine hesitancy between 20 and 30 percent, connecting the anti-vaccination movement to a rise in populism and a mistrust in expertise. [7] [8]

The World Health Organization has identified vaccine hesitancy as one of 2019's ten global health threats to watch. [13]

Role in COVID-19 pandemic

Similarly to many anti-vaccination groups, Vaccine Choice Canada is opposing several measures instituted by public health authorities to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its President repeated some of the most widespread myths about the virus, including that it is no more dangerous than influenza and that developing a vaccine is therefore unnecessary. Influenza is actually responsible for 3,500 deaths in a typical year, while the death toll of four months of COVID-19 already exceeded 8,000 at that point. Jonathan Jarry from the Office for Science and Society warned that with anti-vaccination groups misrepresenting legitimate concerns about rushing vaccines into production as anti-vaccine arguments, "we have the beginnings of a perfect storm on our hands to fuel vaccine misinformation". [14] Vaccine Choice Canada partnered newly-created group Hugs Over Masks, a newly-created group protesting against mandatory mask-wearing. [15]

With Denis Rancourt and others, Vaccine Choice Canada tabled a lawsuit against most Canadian governments, seeking to have the courts strike down measures mandated by public health authorities, including regulations introducing the obligation to wear masks in interior public spaces that several provinces adopted. The lawsuit, filed in July 2020 by lawyer Rocco Galati with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, alleges lockdowns, physical distancing and mandatory masking violate the constitutional rights of Canadians. It also makes wider claims about a "New (Economic) World Order" and a "massive and concentrated push for mandatory vaccines of every human on the planet earth with concurrent electronic surveillance" at the behest of "global Billionaire, Corporate and Organizational Oligarchs", which refer to conspiracy theories widely shared on social media by a variety of fringe groups. The lawsuit also names the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, accusing the information network of a "stalinist" campaign to hide the truth about public health measures. [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19]

Public communications

Vaccine Choice Canada reaches the Canadian public mainline through the internet, with its website and social media channels. However, it has recently experimented with other forms of public outreach.

In February 2019, Vaccine Choice bought space on 50 billboards in the Toronto area to broadcast anti-vaccine messages, such as one inviting parents to learn how to get around the obligation to vaccinate children in order to have them attend public schools. The messages displayed on the billboards were characterized as "half-truths" by Toronto's Associate Medical Officer of Health. The campaign was discontinued by Outfront Media after a request from Toronto City Council. The campaign was denounced by Ontario's Minister of Health Christine Elliott, who encouraged Ontarians to get inoculated. [6] [7] [8] [20]

In August 2019, Vaccine Choice Canada admitted it had paid the expenses of American anti-vaccination activists coming to participate in parliamentary committee hearings on vaccine exemptions for school children in New Brunswick, including Bob Sears. During the hearings, VCC spokesperson Ted Kuntz indicated the group intended to take the province's government to court if it decided to eliminate non-medical exemptions. New Brunswick's Education Minister Dominic Cardy denounced the conspiracy theories presented by the witnesses: "If you believe in evidence-based decision-making, you have to look at the evidence, and the evidence is incontrovertible." [21] [22] [23] [24]

Also in early 2019, Vaccine Choice wrote to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to oppose upcoming changes that would make anti-vaccine messages less likely to be propagated by the social media platform, such as not sharing them as automatic recommendations. Speaking for VCC, Ted Kuntz equated these proposed changes in programming with censorship. [25] A representative of the group also participated to a panel of anti-vaccination activists in Toronto, in April 2019. [26]

In October 2019, Vaccine Choice Canada held a rally in Toronto in support of a court case the group launched jointly with five parents against Ontario's Immunization of School Pupils Act, which requires that pupils must have received certain vaccines to attend the public school system. While legal experts believe the court challenge is unlikely to be successful, President of the Ontario Medical Association Sohail Gandhi is concerned the increased visibility gained by the group may result in more disinformation about vaccines being disseminated to the public. [27] [28]

Vaccine Choice issued "Adding Insult To Injury Awards" in 2016 and 2017 to media outlets that produced news reports it disliked. The host of one program was thus targeted, The Sunday Edition's Michael Enright, sarcastically accepted the award with pride, on behalf of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. He took the opportunity to talk about pediatrician Peter Hotez's warning that anti-vaccine campaigns will lead to serious outbreaks of measles. The segment of the program VCC was reacting to was an interview with Brendan Nyhan about the "backfire effect". [29]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaccine hesitancy</span> Reluctance or refusal to be vaccinated or have ones children vaccinated

Vaccine hesitancy is a delay in acceptance, or refusal, of vaccines despite the availability of vaccine services and supporting evidence. The term covers refusals to vaccinate, delaying vaccines, accepting vaccines but remaining uncertain about their use, or using certain vaccines but not others. The scientific consensus that vaccines are generally safe and effective is overwhelming. Vaccine hesitancy often results in disease outbreaks and deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases. Therefore, the World Health Organization characterizes vaccine hesitancy as one of the top ten global health threats.

The National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC), founded under the name Dissatisfied Parents Together (DPT) in 1982, is an American 501(c)(3) organization that has been widely criticized as a leading source of fearmongering and misinformation about vaccines. While NVIC describes itself as the "oldest and largest consumer-led organization advocating for the institution of vaccine safety and informed consent protections", it promotes false and misleading information including the discredited claim that vaccines cause autism, and its campaigns portray vaccination as risky, encouraging people to consider "alternatives." In April 2020, the organization was identified as one of the greatest disseminators of COVID-19 misinformation on Facebook.

A vaccination policy is a health policy adopted in order to prevent the spread of infectious disease. These policies are generally put into place by State or local governments, but may also be set by private facilities, such as workplaces or schools. Many policies have been developed and implemented since vaccines were first made widely available.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Krista Haynes</span> Canadian former football player and conspiracy theorist

Krista Ford Haynes is a former Canadian professional women's American football player and conspiracy theorist. She is a daughter of Ontario Premier Doug Ford and niece of former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford. She was the captain of the Toronto Triumph, a team in the Legends Football League.

The New Jersey Coalition for Vaccination Choice (NJCVC) is a state-level anti-vaccination group advocating against mandatory vaccination. Scientists and medical experts have countered many of these statements, arguments against vaccination being contradicted by overwhelming scientific consensus about the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COVID-19 pandemic in Canada</span> Ongoing COVID-19 viral pandemic in Canada

The COVID-19 pandemic in Canada is part of the ongoing worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019. It is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Most cases over the course of the pandemic have been in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta. Confirmed cases have been reported in all of Canada's provinces and territories.

The Stop Mandatory Vaccination website and associated Facebook group are some of the major hubs of the American anti-vaccination movement. It was established by anti-vaccination activist Larry Cook in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario</span> COVID-19 viral pandemic in Ontario, Canada

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Learn The Risk</span> American anti-vaccination group

Learn The Risk is an American anti-vaccine group founded in 2015. It is known for its billboard campaigns asserting vaccines are responsible for a large number of deaths of young children. Arguments against vaccination are contradicted by overwhelming scientific consensus about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto is a viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), localized in Toronto. Toronto is the most populous city in Canada, and the fourth most populous city in North America.

Misinformation related to immunization and the use of vaccines circulates in mass media and social media in spite of the fact that there is no serious hesitancy or debate within mainstream medical and scientific circles about the benefits of vaccination. Unsubstantiated safety concerns related to vaccines are often presented on the internet as being scientific information. A high proportion of internet sources on the topic are "inaccurate on the whole" which can lead people searching for information to form "significant misconceptions about vaccines".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COVID-19 vaccination in Canada</span> COVID-19 vaccination programme in Canada

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The COVID-19 protests in Canada are protests that began in April 2020, with protests in Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, and Ottawa against the Government of Canada's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent measures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ohio Advocates for Medical Freedom</span> American anti-vaccination group

Ohio Advocates for Medical Freedom (OAMF) is one of the main anti-vaccination organizations in Ohio. A non-profit group, it frequently lobbies politicians to favor legislative action designed to weaken Ohio's vaccination coverage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Sky</span> Canadian conspiracy theorist

Christopher Saccoccia, widely referred to as Chris Sky, is a Canadian conspiracy theorist known for his involvement in the anti-mask, anti-lockdown, COVID-19 denial and anti-vaccine movements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Saccoccia faces a number of legal issues and criminal charges including for allegations of uttering death threats against Ontario Premier Doug Ford and other public figures and for assault of a police officer, among others. Saccoccia ran for Mayor of Toronto in the 2023 by-election, placing ninth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the United States</span> Reluctance by those living in the USA to be vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine

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<i>Immunization of School Pupils Act</i> Ontario, Canada statute

The Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) is a law in Ontario, Canada, that requires children and adolescents under the age of 18 to receive certain vaccinations to attend primary and secondary school unless a valid exemption is provided, which includes medical, religious, and conscience exemptions. The law applies to both private and public schools. ISPA was adopted in 1990 and was last amended in 2017.

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This timeline includes entries on the spread of COVID-19 misinformation and conspiracy theories related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. This includes investigations into the origin of COVID-19, and the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 which is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. Social media apps and platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, Telegram, and YouTube, have contributed to the spread of misinformation. The Canadian Anti-Hate Network (CAHN) reported that conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 began on "day one". CAHN reported on March 16, 2020, that far-right groups in Canada were taking advantage of the climate of anxiety and fear surrounding COVID, to recycle variations of conspiracies from the 1990s, that people had shared over shortwave radio. COVID-19 disinformation is intentional and seeks to create uncertainty and confusion. But most of the misinformation is shared online unintentionally by enthusiastic participants who are politically active.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">19 to Zero</span> Canadian communications initiative

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Blackwell, Tom (April 4, 2014). "Immunization no more: Inside the mindset of parents who spurn vaccination". National Post. Retrieved March 10, 2019.
  2. 1 2 Gerster, Jane (2020-04-18). "Vaccine hesitancy is a global threat. Experts say watch out for coronavirus misinformation". Global News. Archived from the original on 2020-04-19. Retrieved 2020-04-18.
  3. 1 2 Ireland, Nicole (29 June 2020). "Potential COVID-19 vaccine has re-energized anti-vaccination groups, health experts warn". CBC News. Archived from the original on 29 June 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2020. Alt URL
  4. 1 2 3 Gorski, David (July 22, 2016). "An "open letter" on vaccines deconstructed". Respectful Insolence. Archived from the original on March 11, 2019. Retrieved March 10, 2019.
  5. ↑ Dhaliwal, Dhamanpreet; Mannion, Cynthia (October 20, 2020). "Antivaccine Messages on Facebook: Preliminary Audit". JMIR Public Health and Surveillance . 6 (4): e18878. doi: 10.2196/18878 . PMC   7609192 . PMID   33079072.
  6. 1 2 3 Browne, Rachel (February 27, 2019). "Anti-Vaccine Group's Billboard Blitz in Toronto Just Got Cut Short". Vice. Archived from the original on March 11, 2019. Retrieved March 10, 2019.
  7. 1 2 3 McQuigge, Michelle (February 27, 2019). "Anti-vaccine campaign 'very concerning,' says Ontario's health minister". Canadian Press. Archived from the original on March 11, 2019. Retrieved March 10, 2019.
  8. 1 2 3 Weeks, Carly (February 26, 2019). "Anti-vaccine group launches billboard campaign in Toronto and surrounding area". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on March 11, 2019. Retrieved March 10, 2019.
  9. ↑ Picard, André (December 5, 2010). "Time for a national immunization strategy, health officials say". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on March 11, 2019. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
  10. ↑ "Federal Corporation Information - 892652-2". Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Archived from the original on March 11, 2019. Retrieved March 10, 2019.
  11. ↑ Brean, Joseph (June 7, 2019). "For all the debunking, anti-vaxxers keep finding an audience. They always have". The Edmonton Journal. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  12. ↑ Lunau, Kate; Patriquin, Martin (January 9, 2012). "Asking for an outbreak of preventable diseases". MacLean's. Archived from the original on March 11, 2019. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
  13. ↑ "Ten threats to global health in 2019". World Health organization. Archived from the original on March 11, 2019. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
  14. 1 2 Ireland, Nicole (29 June 2020). "Potential COVID-19 vaccine has re-energized anti-vaccination groups, health experts warn". CBC News. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  15. 1 2 Ireland, Nicole (27 July 2020). "Anti-masking groups draw from anti-vaccination playbook to spread misinformation". CBC News. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  16. ↑ Jessica, Smith Cross (21 July 2020). "MPP doubles down on COVID skepticism, but distances himself from 'Plandemic' conspiracy". QP Briefing. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  17. ↑ Nadeau, Jean-Philippe (21 July 2020). "Le masque obligatoire est-il constitutionnel?". Radio-Canada nouvelles (in French). Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  18. ↑ "Image of misleading flyer about face masks spreads on social media". Fact check AFP. 27 July 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  19. ↑ Butler, Colin (13 August 2020). "Details emerge of Vaccine Choice Canada lawsuit over coronavirus response". CBC News. Archived from the original on 19 August 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  20. ↑ Young, Leslie (March 3, 2019). "A 'good hook': Why some people listen to anti-vaccination messages". Global. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  21. ↑ Poitras, Jacques (2019-08-27). "Education minister rips into vaccine opponents as hearings open". CBC News. Archived from the original on 2019-08-29. Retrieved 2019-08-28.
  22. ↑ Bissett, Kevin (2019-08-27). "New Brunswick education minister warns against anti-vaccination message". CTV News. Archived from the original on 2019-08-29. Retrieved 2019-08-28.
  23. ↑ Brown, Silas (2019-08-28). "Anti-vaccination group to challenge New Brunswick mandatory immunization bill". Global News. Archived from the original on 2019-08-29. Retrieved 2019-08-28.
  24. ↑ Fraser, Elizabeth (2019-08-26). "Hearings on mandatory vaccines for students draw speakers on both sides of issue". CBC News. Archived from the original on 2019-08-29. Retrieved 2019-08-18.
  25. ↑ Ireland, Nicole (March 1, 2019). "'It's a war around the truth': Health experts, Facebook and YouTube play catch-up with anti-vaxxers". CBC News. Archived from the original on March 11, 2019. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
  26. ↑ Weeks, Carly (February 6, 2019). "Toronto conference to feature prominent anti-vaccine activist Del Bigtree". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  27. ↑ Jeffords, Shawn (October 29, 2019). "Court challenge of Ontario's vaccination law unlikely to succeed: experts". Canadian Press. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  28. ↑ "Anti-vaccine group, 5 moms launching legal challenge to Ontario's child vaccination law". Canadian Press. October 29, 2019. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  29. ↑ Enright, Michael (February 26, 2017). "We won an award for dishonesty, and we're very proud of it! - Michael's essay". CBC. Retrieved March 10, 2019.
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