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Our team aims to better understand how the immune response to immune challenges, such as viral infections can influence the risk of developing asthma or autoimmune disease.

Research

TESTOV Pneumo

Christopher Elke Jennifer Tom Blyth Seppanen Kent Snelling MBBS (Hons) DCH FRACP FRCPA PhD BSc PhD RN BMBS DTMH GDipClinEpid PhD FRACP Centre Head,

Research

Improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention of recurrent tonsillitis

Strep A causes over 775 million infections each year world-wide, including over 615 million cases of tonsil infection (Strep throat).

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Limited impact of neonatal or early infant schedules of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination

Early 7vPCV schedules have limited impact on pneumococcal vaccine type carriage in PNG

Research

Otitis media at 6-monthly assessments of Australian First Nations children between ages 12–36 months: Findings from two randomised controlled trials of combined pneumococcal conjugate vaccines

In remote communities of northern Australia, First Nations children with hearing loss are disproportionately at risk of poor school readiness and performance compared to their peers with no hearing loss. The aim of this trial is to prevent early childhood persisting otitis media (OM), associated hearing loss and developmental delay.

Research

Hearing loss in Australian First Nations children at 6-monthly assessments from age 12 to 36 months: Secondary outcomes from randomised controlled trials of novel pneumococcal conjugate vaccine schedules

In Australian remote communities, First Nations children with otitis media (OM)-related hearing loss are disproportionately at risk of developmental delay and poor school performance, compared to those with normal hearing. Our objective was to compare OM-related hearing loss in children randomised to one of 2 pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) formulations.

Research

Skin Infections

Our skin, the body’s largest organ, protects us and maintains overall health. Untreated recurring skin infections like impetigo and scabies severely impact children. The Kids is at the forefront of combatting skin infections, particularly within remote Aboriginal communities experiencing some of the world’s highest rates.

Research

The AuTOMATIC trial: a study protocol for a multi-arm Bayesian adaptive randomised controlled trial of text messaging to improve childhood immunisation coverage

While most Australian children are vaccinated, delays in vaccination can put them at risk from preventable infections. Widespread mobile phone ownership in Australia could allow automated short message service (SMS) reminders to be used as a low-cost strategy to effectively 'nudge' parents towards vaccinating their children on time.

Research

Risk factors associated with RSV hospitalisation in the first 2 years of life, among different subgroups of children in NSW

Data on risk factors for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated hospitalisation in Australian children may be informative for preventive measures.

Research

Predictors of hospital readmission in infants less than 3 months old

To examine rates and predictors of 7-day readmission in infants hospitalised before 3 months of age with infectious and non-infectious conditions. A retrospective population-based data-linkage study of 121 854 infants from a 5-year metropolitan birth cohort (2008-2012). Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine associations between infant and maternal factors with 7-day readmission.