Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency investigating anti-vax doctor John Piesse

A REBEL anti-vaxxer doctor is under investigation over claims he is trying to help ­patients avoid compulsory ­immunisations.

Dr Piesse has labelled the medical watchdog as “the Taliban” for its faith in immunisation

A REBEL anti-vaxxer doctor is under investigation over claims he is trying to help ­patients avoid compulsory ­immunisations.

Dr John Piesse — who already has conditions on his medical registration — is now under fresh investigation by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

Dr Piesse this week labelled the medical watchdog as “the Taliban” for its faith in immunisation, saying the medical profession was covering up a lack of proof about the safety of vaccines.

The Herald Sun understands the Department of Health lodged a notification about the Mitcham GP after he applied for exemptions from compulsory immunisations for patients on grounds the shots would damage their health.

MORE: No credible evidence against vaccination

‘No jab, no pay’ program lifts vaccination rates

AHPRA said it was very concerned to hear of any practitioner who mislead the public on public health issues, confirming they would review any allegations.

But Dr Piesse said he was not aware of the investigation.

“It was to be expected. Anyone who doesn’t think the way AHPRA does is likely to get attacked,” Dr Piesse said.

“There is so much emotion and so much hate towards anyone who doesn’t hold on to the true religious line of the profession.

“As far as I can see there is no proper scientific proof of safety in the usual form that is required by the profession.

“The controlled trial could be done if you wanted to rigorously compare vaccinated to unvaccinated children, but ... they are basically pushing unproven vaccines and the governments advise their doctors to market them as well.”

Health Minister Jill Hennessy said exemptions exist for children with genuine conditions that prevent them being vaccinated, but there was no place in Victoria for clinicians with anti-vaccination agendas.

“Practitioners who pedal these lies and mistruths put the health and safety of Victorian children at risk and will not be tolerated,” Ms Hennessy said.

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Dr Frank Jones said ­patients advised against vaccinations needed to seek a second opinion.

“The RACGP would see it as a great concern if a general practitioner is advising against a scientifically proven benefit,” Dr Jones said.

In 2011, Dr Piesse was found to have administered non-­approved intravenous herbal infusions, genome and other therapies brought into the country by patients, and was ordered to undertake “Critical Thinking and Research” ­training.

[e-mail]

@mcarthurg