Amidst the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the transmission dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is key to providing peace of mind for the community and informing policy-making decisions. While available data suggest that school-aged children are not significant spreaders of SARS-CoV-2, the possibility of transmission in schools remains an ongoing concern, especially among an aging teaching workforce. Even in low-prevalence settings, communities must balance the potential risk of transmission with the need for students' ongoing education. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2021
• February 2021

The burden of seasonal influenza disease in Australian children is substantial, especially for those with medical comorbidities including chronic cardiac, respiratory, neurological and immunosuppressive conditions. Influenza is more likely to be severe in children with comorbidities compared to previously healthy children (e.g. more frequent and longer hospitalisation, more frequent intensive care unit admission and requiring respiratory support). Direct protection against influenza by vaccination is critical for children with comorbidities and remains the most effective tool for influenza prevention. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2021
• June 2021

In this study we assessed the effects of antigen exposure in mice pre‐sensitized with allergen following viral infection on changes in lung function, cellular responses and tight junction expression. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2021
• August 2021

Influenza vaccination recommendation by children’s hospital physicians and previous vaccine receipt in hospital was associated with vaccine uptake ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2019
• April 2019

An interseasonal resurgence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was observed in Western Australia at the end of 2020. Our previous report describing this resurgence compared the 2019 and 2020 calendar years, capturing only part of the 2020/21 season. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2021
• December 2021

Following the end of winter, there has been a persistent absence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 community transmission and no increase in influenza detections. Limited physical distancing measures have remained in place, with largely no restrictions on gathering sizes and no mandate for wearing masks. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2021
• November 2021

Influenza is a common cause of acute respiratory infection, and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infection that emerged as a pandemic worldwide before the start of the 2020 Australian influenza season. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• March 2022

With the emergence of novel vaccines and new applications for older vaccines, co-administration is increasingly likely. The immunomodulatory effects of BCG could theoretically alter the reactogenicity of co-administered vaccines. Using active surveillance in a randomised controlled trial, we aimed to determine whether co-administration of BCG vaccination changes the safety profile of influenza vaccination. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• June 2022

We aimed to determine Australian paediatricians' beliefs and practices around the influenza vaccination of children. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2017
• November 2017

This study aimed to determine whether chronic, low-dose exposure to geogenic particulate matter <10μm diameter (PM10) exacerbates viral infections of the... ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2015
• November 2015