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Research
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.
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Individual variation in vaccine immune response can produce bimodal distributions of protectionThe ability for vaccines to protect against infectious diseases varies among individuals, but computational models employed to inform policy typically do not account for this variation. Here we examine this issue: we implement a model of vaccine efficacy developed in the context of SARS-CoV-2 in order to evaluate the general implications of modelling correlates of protection on the individual level.
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Correlates of immunity to Group A Streptococcus: a pathway to vaccine developmentUnderstanding immunity in humans to Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) is critical for the development of successful vaccines to prevent the morbidity and mortality attributed to Strep A infections. Despite decades of effort, no licensed vaccine against Strep A exists and immune correlates of protection are lacking; a major impediment to vaccine development.
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Attitudes about and access to influenza vaccination experienced by parents of children hospitalised for influenza in AustraliaImproving parents’ and providers’ knowledge and confidence in influenza vaccination safety, efficacy, and benefits should be prioritised
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Impact of Childhood Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine on Nonnotified Clinically Suspected Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in AustraliaThis study provides a quantitative estimate of the total burden of invasive pneumococcal disease preventable by vaccination programs in Australia
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Increasing vaccine acceptance using evidence-based approaches and policies: Insights from research on behavioural and social determinants presented at the 7th Annual Vaccine Acceptance MeetingIn 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) flagged vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health. The drivers of and barriers to under-vaccination include logistics (access to and awareness of affordable vaccines), as well as a complex mix of psychological, social, political, and cultural factors.
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Risk of adverse maternal and foetal outcomes associated with inactivated influenza vaccination in first trimester of pregnancyIn many countries, influenza vaccination is routinely recommended during any stage of pregnancy, yet uptake remains low, particularly in the first trimester. This is thought to be due to maternal concerns regarding vaccine safety. We evaluated the safety of influenza vaccination in the first trimester of pregnancy.
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Developmental outcomes following vaccine-proximate febrile seizures in childrenTo compare the developmental and behavioral outcomes of children experiencing an initial vaccine-proximate (VP) febrile seizure (FS) to those having a non-VP-FS (NVP-FS) and controls who have not had a seizure.
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Influenza disease and vaccination in children in AustraliaOver the past decade, multiple initiatives have been implemented to strengthen influenza vaccination programs in Australia, with an increasing focus on children. In this article, we review these changes, the events that prompted them, and how they have influenced influenza vaccine uptake in Australia.
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Meningococcal serotype W septic arthritis: Case series in childrenThe epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease has changed over the last decade and there has been an increase in cases caused by serogroup W135, particularly in Indigenous children. Extra‐meningeal and atypical presentations are associated with serogroup W and may delay diagnosis and therefore appropriate treatment. Public and clinician awareness are essential in facilitating effective new vaccine schedule implementation.