Book by Greek-Australian doctor in 1970s re-emerges as core text for ‘anti-vax’ movement

·

A book written by a Greek-Australian doctor in the 1970s has re-emerged as a pivotal text for Australia’s anti-vaccination movement.

The obituaries when Dr Archie Kalokerinos died in 2012 spoke glowingly of his service to Indigenous health. The Sydney Morning Herald credited him with cutting the infant mortality rate to zero in some regional NSW communities.

Former prime minister John Howard praised Kalokerinos for his “consistent and selfless efforts”.

What wasn’t mentioned was Kalokerinos’ claims that vaccinations were a cause of vitamin C deficiency.

His proposed treatment for almost every malady was large doses of the vitamin to boost the immune system. While large doses of vitamin C can help with scurvy and other deficiencies, there is no evidence to suggest it can help with strokes and diabetes.

He was reported to have given speeches at events run by Australia’s longest running anti-vaccination group, the Australian Vaccination Network.

He spoke about how the World Health Organization and Save the Children Fund were deliberately committing genocide through a mass vaccination program, and how the US government was conspiring to kill certain populations by encouraging those with known heart problems to get vaccinated.

Every Second Child is long out of print. But that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a core text for today’s anti-vaccination campaigners. Copies of the paperback are listed for sale on Amazon at more than $900 for Australian buyers.

The Australian Vaccination Network (which has since been renamed) posted in February that the book was a reason that Indigenous Australians were wary of being vaccinated.

One website hosting the free download shows it has been downloaded more than 2400 times. Facebook posts by users, including prominent international anti-vaxxers, that link to this digital copy of the book have received nearly 5000 engagements.

Source: Crickey.com.au

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Back to Greece: Four journeys, one shared return

As the Back to Greece series closes, what remains is more than a collection of travel diaries - it’s a mosaic of memory and identity.

Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney to hold memorial marking 113 years since Lesvos’ liberation

The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney will honour the 113th anniversary of the Liberation of Lesvos with a series of commemorative events.

Film Review: ‘Athens Midnight Radio’ is Haralambidis’ nocturnal love letter to Athens

The 30th Greek Film Festival opened last week and featured a screening of Renos Haralambidis’ Athens Midnight Radio (2024).

Elena Pappas honoured with the 2025 Stephen Myall Award

At the Law Institute of Victoria’s annual awards ceremony in October 2025, Elena Pappas was recognised with the Stephen Myall Award.

‘Fertility and Filoxenia’: Empowering conversations on fertility and IVF options

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia and Greek Community of Melbourne invite everyone to attend a free educational event on fertility.

You May Also Like

Corfu serial rapist re-arrested and held on new rape charge

A convicted serial rapist was under police guard in a Corfu hospital on Monday after suffering severe injuries trying to evade arrest on new rape charges.

Antonopoulos’ Le Sands temporarily closes amid dispute with Bayside Council

The iconic Le Sands Restaurant in Brighton-Le-Sands, owned by Paul and Elizabeth Antonopoulos, has temporarily closed its doors.

Greek almond biscuit recipe (Amygdalota)

Christina from Pieces of Greece shares with us her best recipe for the sweetest Greek almond biscuits, commonly known as 'Amygdalota.'