Misinformation blamed as Australian vaccine rates slide

GPs are well placed to reassure those unsure about vaccines, AMA president Danielle McMullen says. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

Misinformation, anti-science sentiment and vaccine hesitancy is being blamed for a "worrying" drop in Australia's immunisation rates.

The Australian Medical Association is urging Australians to reverse the trend, warning lives are unnecessarily being put at risk and emergency departments are being stretched too thin.