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Nudging towards COVID-19 and influenza vaccination in children with medically at-risk conditions

Non-coercive 'nudge' interventions have shown the potential to promote health behaviours. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of nudge interventions on COVID-19/influenza vaccine uptake among children with medically at-risk conditions.

Socio-economic inequality underpins inequity in influenza vaccination uptake between public and private secondary schools: an Australian population-based study

Socio-economic inequality and vaccination inequity have long been critical issues. However, no studies have explored the gap in influenza vaccination uptake between public and private schools. Importantly, the extent to which socio-economic inequality translates into vaccination uptake inequity has not been quantified.

Evaluating the effectiveness of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and clinical and demographic characteristics on pneumococcal carriage density in young children

High nasopharyngeal pneumococcal carriage density is associated with severe pneumonia; however, little is known about factors that affect pneumococcal carriage density including pneumococcal vaccination. We describe pneumococcal density by clinical and demographic factors, and effect of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) on density in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and Mongolia, 3–6 years following national PCV13 introduction.

Influenza epidemiology, treatment and prevention in Australian children: Trends from 6 years of PAEDS-FluCAN influenza surveillance (2019-2024)

Influenza remains an important cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. Immunisation is critical to prevent hospitalisation and severe disease. The COVID-19 pandemic had far-reaching effects on influenza epidemiology and vaccine use.

Modelling the impact of long-acting monoclonal antibody, maternal vaccine and hybrid programs of RSV immunisation in temperate Western Australia

Two RSV immunisations products: a maternal vaccine, Abrysvo, and a long-acting monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, both designed to prevent RSV illness in infants, have recently become available. Modelling evidence is required to inform how to optimally use these products in immunisation programs to reduce the burden of RSV in young children.

Associate Professor Lea-Ann Kirkham

Co-Head, Bacterial Respiratory Infectious Disease Group; Microbiology Lead, Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines & Infectious Diseases

An infant mouse model of influenza-driven nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae colonization and acute otitis media suitable for preclinical testing of novel therapies

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a major otitis media (OM) pathogen, with colonization a prerequisite for disease development. Most acute OM is in children <5 years old, with recurrent and chronic OM impacting hearing and learning. Therapies to prevent NTHi colonization and/or disease are needed, especially for young children. Respiratory viruses are implicated in driving the development of bacterial OM in children.

Major grant awarded to tackle antibiotic resistance

Vital research aiming to improve the treatment of potentially deadly Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) has been awarded $820,000 in the latest round of National Health and Medicine Research Council’s Ideas Grants.

Targeting the mucosal immune system in a mouse model to prevent pregnancy complications following maternal bacterial infection

This work is the first step to develop safe treatments for pregnant mums to protect against preterm delivery and low birth weight caused by maternal infections.

Deborah Lehmann Research Award Opportunity

The Deborah Lehmann Research Award in Paediatric Infectious Disease Research is a funding mechanism to support the training and development of early- to mid-career researchers (EMCR) or Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students who are nationals from the Pacific Region working in or outside their hom