Pneumococcal disease is one of the biggest killers of children under 5 years of age worldwide, mostly in developing countries. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines are highly effective at reducing pneumococcal disease however the duration of protection and the immune factors involved is unknown, particularly when fewer than the recommended number of doses are used. My fellowship aims to examine the key immune factors that provide long-term protection following pneumococcal vaccination.
Advanced Population-based Methods To Evaluate And Inform Immunisation Policy And Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Despite the overall success of immunisation programs, preventable infections continue to occur, with Aboriginal children suffering the most. I will study the health and vaccination records for 1.95 million children (98,000 Aboriginal) in New South Wales and Western Australia to see who is most at risk of vaccine preventable infections and why. The findings will aid development of strategies to target high-risk children and to optimise the benefits obtained from Australia’s immunisation program.
Protecting Australia From Future Swine Flu Pandemics-Functional And Structural Studies Of The H1N1 Swine Influenza A Surface Glycoprotein Hemagglutinin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
The severity of the present and future pandemic strains of the swine flu will depend on the ability to contain and combat infection via pre-emptive development of appropriate vaccines and drugs. To this end, my study of the surface glycoprotein hemagglutinin, will help predict and prevent future swine influenza pandemics by identifying potentially pandemic strains to be targeted for early vaccine development.
Evaluation And Optimisation Of Paediatric Vaccination Programs In Australia And The Region
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$293,426.00
Summary
Vaccines are highly effective in preventing infection. Increasing numbers of vaccines are available to children and to national immunisation programs. Research is required to ensure that vaccines included in national programs are effective and safe. We must also understand why some children are not vaccinated and to assess ways to improve uptake. Focusing on two common disease, influenza and pneumococcal disease, this fellowship will address these unanswered questions.
Immunisation Practice And Policy Development In Australia: Responding To Urgent Priorities In Prevention Of Endemic And Epidemic Infectious Diseases In Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
Despite high immunisation coverage rates in Australia deaths still occur in young infants from vaccine preventable diseases such as whooping cough, meningitis and influenza. My research in vaccines and immunisation involves trialing new vaccines such as meningococcal B and H1N1 vaccine to ensure their safety and effectiveness in children and investigation of new ways to deliver vaccines to improve uptake of new vaccines in the community to ensure earlier and better protection for infants and chi ....Despite high immunisation coverage rates in Australia deaths still occur in young infants from vaccine preventable diseases such as whooping cough, meningitis and influenza. My research in vaccines and immunisation involves trialing new vaccines such as meningococcal B and H1N1 vaccine to ensure their safety and effectiveness in children and investigation of new ways to deliver vaccines to improve uptake of new vaccines in the community to ensure earlier and better protection for infants and children against severe infectious diseases.Read moreRead less