As the world waits for a COVID-19 vaccine Perth researchers are getting one step ahead – embarking on a new study designed to prepare parents and government for a potential Australia-wide vaccination program.
Funded thanks to generous support from Wesfarmers Limited, the Coronavax project will lay the groundwork for the successful implementation of a coronavirus vaccine once it is available and ensure the ongoing success of the existing immunisation schedule.
Led by Associate Professor Chris Blyth, Co-Director of the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, based at The Kids Research Institute Australia, and Dr Katie Attwell, Senior Lecturer and ARC Discovery Fellow at the School of Social Science at The University of Western Australia, the project brings together key vaccination researchers in Western Australia.
According to A/Prof Blyth, Coronavax will play a vital role in building community confidence and planning effective methods of delivery ahead of any future roll out of a coronavirus vaccine.
“The global scientific community is currently racing to develop an effective and safe vaccine, with over 100 COVID-19 vaccine candidates now under investigation, and many already in human trials,” said A/Prof Blyth.
“Unfortunately, the most effective vaccine in the world won’t restore our way of life unless it is widely accepted and reaches the arms of all Australians.”
“We will need to vaccinate the population to build immunity and prevent outbreaks, and this means developing a successful rollout plan is crucial. If we don’t plan ahead now, we risk being unprepared to implement the vaccine we are desperately waiting for,” said A/Prof Blyth.
Researchers involved in the Coronvax project will analyse two key aspects of childhood vaccination within the current coronavirus pandemic. Firstly, the needs of parents and carers in terms of vaccine communication will be investigated, as well as exploring attitudes and concerns around the potential COVID-19 vaccine. Secondly, the team will explore how the government can help parents maintain routine vaccines during this time.
“A COVID-19 vaccine would restore our freedom and way of life, but our experience with existing vaccination programs such as influenza has shown us that uptake is entirely dependent on parents’ attitudes around safety for children and the vaccine’s health benefits,” said Dr Attwell.
“The Coronavax project will provide an essential link between the community voice and the ears of government, allowing informed decisions to be made and assisting with the speedy and efficient implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine.”
For more information about infectious disease research by the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, please visit infectiousdiseases.telethonkids.org.au