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STopping Acute Rheumatic Fever Infections to Strengthen Health (STARFISH)

STopping Acute Rheumatic Fever Infections to Strengthen Health (STARFISH) brings together a diverse and multidisciplinary research team to investigate the most effective environmental health initiatives (EHIs) aimed at reducing Strep A infections and prevent Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF).

Latest news & events

Latest news & events at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines & Infectious Diseases.

Researchers share their expertise with the community in Cockburn

Researchers from the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases at The Kids Research Institute Australia have shared their expertise with the community in Cockburn, covering topics ranging from respiratory disease in babies to recurring ear infections in kids.

Latest Deborah Lehmann Research Award Recipient

Congratulations to Dr Paula Tesine who is the successful recipient of the Deborah Lehmann Research Award. As the third recipient of the Deborah Lehmann Research Award, Dr Tesine received $30,000 towards her research.

The Kids Research Institute Australia leads WA arm of Australia’s first needle-free COVID-19 vaccine study

Enrolments for Australia’s first needle-free, gene-based COVID-19 vaccine study – to be led in WA by The Kids Research Institute Australia – are open.

Warm Welcome for the Neonatal Infection and Immunity Team

Clinical Professor Tobias Strunk, Dr Andrew Currie and their Neonatal Infection and Immunity Team have become the newest members of the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases.

New pneumococcal vaccine closes in on approval

Pneumococcal – a bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia and meningitis – is responsible for 1000s of hospital admissions in Australia each year, many of them children.

Influenza

Influenza (commonly known as the flu) is caused by a highly contagious virus spread mainly through coughing and sneezing. An annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent flu outbreaks.

Challenges and insights in self-swab surveillance for asymptomatic Streptococcus pyogenes carriage

Asymptomatic carriage of Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A) may contribute to transmission, yet its role remains poorly understood and evidence on optimal detection methods is limited. While self-collected throat swabs are used in infectious disease surveillance, their value for identifying asymptomatic Strep A carriage in adults is uncertain. This pilot prospective cohort study, conducted at a Perth medical research institute between August and October 2024, assessed feasibility and acceptability of self-collection, with sensitivity as a secondary objective. 

Whooping Cough

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory infection which causes a severe cough and can be particularly dangerous to babies under a year old. Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of whooping cough.