Watch The Anti-Vax Conspiracy

The Anti-Vax Conspiracy is a documentary series that explores the controversial topic of vaccinations and vaccine hesitancy. Produced by BBC Select and directed by Jamie Doran, the series delves into the various reasons why people refuse to vaccinate themselves and their children, and the damaging effects that these beliefs can have on public health.

The series follows several individuals and families who have fallen victim to the anti-vaccine movement, including parents who lost their children to preventable diseases like measles and meningitis. The show highlights the real-world consequences of vaccine hesitancy, such as the resurgence of previously eradicated diseases and the risk of a global pandemic.

The first episode of The Anti-Vax Conspiracy introduces viewers to the history of vaccines and how they have been one of the most successful public health interventions in history. However, the episode also delves into the rise of the anti-vaccine movement, which gained momentum in the early 2000s with the publication of a now-debunked study linking autism to vaccinations.

The series goes on to explore the various reasons why people refuse to vaccinate themselves and their children, including religious beliefs, mistrust of pharmaceutical companies, and misinformation spread on social media. The show also challenges the claims made by prominent anti-vaccine activists, such as the notion that vaccines are linked to autism.

One episode of the series focuses on the role of social media in spreading anti-vaccine conspiracy theories. The episode explores how these views are often framed as "healthy skepticism" or "parental choice," but in reality, they are based on falsehoods and can cause real harm to public health. The episode also delves into the efforts by social media platforms and governments to combat the spread of false information about vaccines, and whether these measures are effective.

Another episode examines the power of fear, both in stoking vaccine hesitancy and in motivating anti-vaccine activism. The show explores how anti-vaccine activists exploit parents' fears for their children's health to spread false information, and how fear-based messaging can be used to persuade people to vaccinate.

Throughout the series, The Anti-Vax Conspiracy also explores the complex political and cultural factors that contribute to vaccine hesitancy. For example, the show examines the controversy surrounding the HPV vaccine, which is often seen as controversial due to its association with sexual activity. The show also explores the way in which vaccine hesitancy is often linked to broader distrust of institutions and experts.

Ultimately, The Anti-Vax Conspiracy is a powerful exploration of the dangers of vaccine hesitancy and the damage that can be caused by false information. Through compelling real-life stories and expert analysis, the series urges viewers to prioritize the public good over individual fears and to trust the science behind vaccinations.

The Anti-Vax Conspiracy is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between May 31, 2021 and on BBC Select