Australians belonging to the vaccine refusal movement consider themselves a science advocacy group, according to a study published recently.

My colleagues and I found this group believes it lobbies for unbiased research against increasing industry interference.

We also found vaccine refusers construct their identities around developing health literacy, engaging with science and being informed when making decisions about their health.

Other research shows people who refuse vaccines seek to take control of their health decisions. And conversely, they think people who follow public health advice to vaccinate lose out by not educating themselves.