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Research
Determining the off-target effects of infant vaccines on respiratory infection outcomes in Western Australian childrenChristopher Hannah Lea-Ann Blyth Moore Kirkham CC HC LK MBBS (Hons) DCH FRACP FRCPA PhD OAM BSc (Hons) GradDipClinEpi PhD PhD Centre Head, Wesfarmers
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FluCAN - The Influenza Complications Alert NetworkThe main aim of the study is to provide timely surveillance data to public health authorities on severe influenza.
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Targeting interventions to improve influenza control: a proof of principle geomapping studyChristopher Kefyalew Hannah Blyth Alene Moore CC KA HC MBBS (Hons) DCH FRACP FRCPA PhD BSc, MPH, PhD OAM BSc (Hons) GradDipClinEpi PhD Centre Head,
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Maternal Pertussis Vaccination, Infant Immunization, and Risk of PertussisFollowing the introduction of jurisdictional maternal pertussis vaccination programs in Australia, we estimated maternal vaccine effectiveness (VE) and whether maternal pertussis vaccination modified the effectiveness of the first 3 primary doses of pertussis-containing vaccines.
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Influenza vaccination in Western Australian children: Exploring the health benefits and cost savings of increased vaccine coverage in childrenTo assess potential benefits and direct healthcare cost savings with expansion of an existing childhood influenza immunisation program, we developed a dynamic transmission model for the state of Western Australia, evaluating increasing coverage in children < 5 years and routinely immunising school-aged children.
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Estimating the excess burden of pertussis disease in Australia within the first year of life, that might have been prevented through timely vaccinationPrevious Australian studies have shown that delayed vaccination with each of the three primary doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-containing vaccines (DTP) is up to 50 % in certain subpopulations. We estimated the excess burden of pertussis that might have been prevented if (i) all primary doses and (ii) each dose was given on time.
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The AuTOMATIC trial: a study protocol for a multi-arm Bayesian adaptive randomised controlled trial of text messaging to improve childhood immunisation coverageWhile most Australian children are vaccinated, delays in vaccination can put them at risk from preventable infections. Widespread mobile phone ownership in Australia could allow automated short message service (SMS) reminders to be used as a low-cost strategy to effectively 'nudge' parents towards vaccinating their children on time.
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Psychological distress in three Australian communities living with environmental per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contaminationEnvironmental chemical contamination is a recognised risk factor for psychological distress, but has been seldom studied in the context of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. We examined psychological distress in a cross-sectional study of three Australian communities exposed to PFAS from the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam in firefighting activities, and three comparison communities without environmental contamination.
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Factors Predicting Secondary Respiratory Morbidity Following Early-Life Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections: Population-Based Cohort StudyThe association between early-life respiratory syncytial virus infections and later respiratory morbidity is well established. However, there is limited evidence on factors that influence this risk. We examined sociodemographic and perinatal factors associated with later childhood respiratory morbidity requiring secondary care following exposure to a laboratory-confirmed RSV episode in the first 2 years.
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Development of a sustained release implant of benzathine penicillin G for secondary prophylaxis of rheumatic heart diseaseRegular intramuscular (i.m.) benzathine penicillin G (BPG) injections have been the cornerstone of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) secondary prophylaxis since the 1950s. Patient adherence to IM BPG is poor, largely due to pain, the need for regular injections every 3-4 weeks and health sector delivery challenges in resource-limited settings. There is an urgent need for new approaches for secondary prophylaxis, such as an implant which could provide sustained penicillin concentrations for more than 6 months.