New research suggests anti-vaxxers have similar beliefs around being persecuted as conspiracy theorists.

An Australian study analysed almost 300,000 comments on six anti-vaccination Facebook pages from Australia and North America.

It shows they believe the government and the media underplay, deny and perpetuate the harms caused by vaccinations

Federation University senior lecturer Naomi Smith told Larry Williams they have a very strong persecution mindset.

"They really believe that vaccines do cause harm and they are being forced to engage in this public health practice against their will."

Three-quarters of those involved in the anti-vaccination Facebook pages are women - reflective of vaccination still being perceived as 'a mother's question'.

Smith says the people are "very suspicious of anyone who promotes vaccination and are suspicious of public health programmes as well". 

LISTEN TO NAOMI SMITH TALK WITH LARRY WILLIAMS ABOVE