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InfluenzaInfluenza (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.
News & Events
Childhood influenza vaccination rates improves with better accessMore children across Australia are being vaccinated against the flu since funding was expanded and access widened under the National Immunisation Program
Research
Effectiveness of nirsevimab in preventing RSV-hospitalisation among young children in Western Australia 2024Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes a significant burden of illness for children under 2 years of age. Nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, was registered for RSV prevention in Australia in 2023. In April 2024, Western Australia (WA) launched the country's first state-wide nirsevimab program for all infants and high-risk children entering their second RSV season.
Research
A prospective cohort study comparing the reactogenicity of trivalent influenza vaccine in pregnant and non-pregnant women.Influenza vaccination during pregnancy can prevent serious illness in expectant mothers and provide protection to newborns...
Latest news & events at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines & Infectious Diseases.
Research
Influenza C infections in Western Australia and Victoria from 2008 to 2014Comparison of Influenza C viruses detected from Australian clinical samples with Influenza C viruses detected in other parts of the world in recent years
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The effectiveness of influenza vaccination in preventing hospitalisation in children in Western AustraliaThis study aimed to determine the vaccine effectiveness of the southern hemisphere trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) in preventing...
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The safety of seasonal influenza vaccines in Australian children in 2013Our objective was to examine influenza vaccine safety in Australian children aged under 10 years in 2013.
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Boosting the influenza vaccine schedule in children with cancer: a prospective open-label studyCurrent immunization guidelines recommend one dose of influenza vaccine for children aged ≥9 years and two doses for younger or vaccine-naïve children. However, children receiving chemotherapy have an attenuated immune response. We performed a prospective open-label study in children undergoing treatment for cancer at Perth Children's Hospital, Western Australia, to examine the safety and efficacy of a boosted influenza schedule.
Research
The relationship between administratively recorded ethnicity and outcomes for people admitted to Australian intensive care units with COVID-19The relationship between ethnicity and mortality of patients critically ill with COVID-19 in Australia has not been described. Defining those communities at the highest risk of severe COVID-19 may assist with formulating effective public health policy and may improve the equitable delivery of health care in Australia.