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Research

Epidemiology and seasonality of human parainfluenza serotypes 1-3 in Australian children

Parainfluenza viruses are significant contributors to childhood respiratory illness worldwide, although detailed epidemiological studies are lacking. Few recent Australian studies have investigated serotype-specific PIV epidemiology, and there is a paucity of southern hemisphere PIV reports. We report age-stratified PIV hospitalisation rates and a mathematical model of PIV seasonality and dynamics in Western Australia (WA).

Research

An observational study of antibody responses to a primary or subsequent pertussis booster vaccination in Australian healthcare workers

Adult pertussis vaccination is increasingly recommended to control pertussis in the community. However, there is little data on the duration and kinetics of immunity to pertussis boosters in adults. We compared IgG responses to vaccination with a tetanus, low-dose diphtheria, low-dose acellular pertussis (Tdap) booster at 1 week, 1 month and 1 year post-vaccination in whole-cell (wP)-primed Australian paediatric healthcare workers who had received an adult Tdap booster 5-12 years previously, to those who received their first Tdap booster. Tdap vaccination was well tolerated in both groups.

Research

An observational study of antibody responses to a primary or subsequent pertussis booster vaccination in Australian healthcare workers

Adult pertussis vaccination is increasingly recommended to control pertussis in the community. However, there is little data on the duration and kinetics of immunity to pertussis boosters in adults. We compared IgG responses to vaccination with a tetanus, low-dose diphtheria, low-dose acellular pertussis (Tdap) booster at 1 week, 1 month and 1 year post-vaccination in whole-cell (wP)-primed Australian paediatric healthcare workers who had received an adult Tdap booster 5-12 years previously, to those who received their first Tdap booster.

People

Dr Janessa Pickering

Dr Janessa Pickering is a research microbiologist with expertise in the molecular diagnostics and host pathogen interactions of upper respiratory tract pathogens that cause disease in children.

News & Events

Nationwide RSV program roll-out announced

More than two decades of research, modelling and collaboration to develop safe and effective RSV immunisations has led to a major Federal Government roll-out of a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation program for all pregnant women and newborn babies in 2025.

News & Events

Landmark study halves skin infections in remote Aboriginal kids

Led by The Kids Research Institute Australia and Aboriginal health organisations in close partnership with nine Aboriginal communities in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, the five-year SToP Trial set out to identify the best possible methods to See, Treat and Prevent painful skin sores and scabies.

News & Events

Trial tests which COVID-19 booster combos ‘boost’ immunity

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News & Events

Nasal spray to prevent ear infections closer to fruition thanks to major grant

A nasal spray that could potentially prevent childhood ear infections and reduce antibiotic use is a step closer to clinical trials thanks to a $500,000 CUREator grant.

News & Events

RSV rates skyrocket among Aboriginal babies

Experts are warning Aboriginal parents in Western Australia with newborn babies to be vigilant about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) as winter progresses.

News & Events

The Kids Ear Health researcher named finalist in Australia’s top science prizes

Paediatric audiologist Associate Professor Chris Brennan-Jones has been announced as a finalist for the country’s leading national science awards – the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.