Search
Research
Who is at risk of a respiratory syncytial virus hospitalisation? A linked, population-based birth cohort analysis in children aged less than 5 yearsRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute lower respiratory infections globally in children under five years. With the development of RSV prevention strategies, understanding risk factors and relation to age and population is useful for deciding the type of program implemented.
Research
Subcutaneous Infusion of Benzathine Penicillin G Is Acceptable and Preferred Over Intramuscular Injections for Syphilis in Western Australian Sexual Health Clinic AttendeesControlling the syphilis epidemic in Australia is a public health priority. Regular intramuscular (IM) injections of benzathine penicillin G (BPG) are the current standard of care for late latent syphilis in Australia; however, repeated IM BPG injections are painful, and treatment completion rates are low. Early-phase clinical trials have demonstrated the tolerability and safety of high-dose subcutaneous infusions of BPG (SCIP), where the total treatment dose can be delivered at a single visit. Here we describe the experiences and preferences of attendees of Western Australian sexual health clinics in the Perth metropolitan region who have syphilis and were treated with SCIP.
Research
Randomised controlled trials of behavioural nudges delivered through text messages to increase influenza and COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women (EPIC study) in AustraliaInfluenza and COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women is sub-optimal. We assessed the effectiveness of a multi-component behavioural nudge intervention to improve COVID-19 and influenza vaccine uptake among pregnant women.
Research
The Unintended Impact of COVID-19 Associated Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions on Paediatric Hospital Admissions: An Interrupted Time Series AnalysisCOVID-19 related non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) disrupted global healthcare utilisation, with notable declines in infection related paediatric hospitalisations. We aimed to identify non-infectious paediatric conditions for which the incidence of hospital admissions increased during the introduction and alleviation of NPIs in 2020.
Research
Impact of vaccine mandates and removals on COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Australia and international comparators: a study protocolVaccination against SARS-CoV-2 was a crucial public health measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the multiple strategies developed to increase vaccine uptake, governments often employed vaccine mandates. However, little evidence exists globally about the impact of these mandates and their subsequent removal on vaccine uptake, including in Australia, France, Italy and the USA.
Research
Acute rheumatic feverAcute rheumatic fever is an autoimmune disorder resulting from Group A Streptococcus pharyngitis or impetigo in children and adolescents, which may evolve to rheumatic heart disease (RHD) with persistent cardiac valve damage. RHD causes substantial mortality and morbidity globally, predominantly among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, with an interplay of social determinants of health and genetic factors determining overall risk.
Research
ATAGI Targeted Review 2021: the national COVID-19 vaccination programThe overarching goal of the Australian coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program has been to protect all people in Australia from the harm caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. This review reflects on the role of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) in the national COVID-19 vaccination program, in terms of the initial programmatic and clinical recommendations in the evolving context of evidence relating to the disease and vaccines, epidemiology, and the program rollout.
Research
Serological Responses to Target Streptococcus pyogenes Vaccine Antigens in Patients With Proven Invasive β-Hemolytic Streptococcal InfectionsRising incidence of invasive β-hemolytic streptococcal (iBHS) infections has prompted consideration of vaccination as a preventative strategy for at-risk populations. The benefits of a vaccine targeting Lancefield group A (Streptococcus pyogenes; Strep A) would increase if cross-species immunity against Lancefield groups C/G (Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis; SDSE) and B (Streptococcus agalactiae; GBS) was demonstrated.
Research
Immunogenicity, Reactogenicity, and Safety of a Pentavalent Meningococcal ABCWY Vaccine in Adolescents and Young Adults who had Previously Received a Meningococcal ACWY VaccineA MenABCWY vaccine containing 4CMenB and MenACWY-CRM vaccine components has been developed to protect against the 5 meningococcal serogroups that cause most invasive disease cases.
Research
Short term safety profile of respiratory syncytial virus vaccine in adults aged ≥ 60 years in AustraliaAustralia's active vaccine safety surveillance system AusVaxSafety monitors a number of vaccines, including Arexvy, by reporting on solicited adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) through an online survey sent to vaccinees 3 days post-vaccination as previously described.3 Here we report on survey responses from adults aged ≥60 years receiving Arexvy at primary healthcare practices or pharmacies, who responded to the survey by day 7 post-vaccination.