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Research
Off-target effects of bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination on immune responses to SARS-CoV-2: implications for protection against severe COVID-19Because of its beneficial off-target effects against non-mycobacterial infectious diseases, bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination might be an accessible early intervention to boost protection against novel pathogens. Multiple epidemiological studies and randomised controlled trials are investigating the protective effect of BCG against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Research
COVID-19-Related Submission Priorities From the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases SocietyChristopher Blyth MBBS (Hons) DCH FRACP FRCPA PhD Centre Head, Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases; Co-Head, Infectious Diseases
Research
COVID-19 in children: I. Epidemiology, prevention and indirect impactsChildren globally have been profoundly impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This review explores the direct and indirect public health impacts of COVID-19 on children. We discuss in detail the transmission dynamics, vaccination strategies and, importantly, the ‘shadow pandemic’, encompassing underappreciated indirect impacts of the pandemic on children.
Research
BCG vaccination to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in healthcare workers: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial (BRACE trial)BCG vaccination modulates immune responses to unrelated pathogens. This off-target effect could reduce the impact of emerging pathogens. As a readily available, inexpensive intervention that has a well-established safety profile, BCG is a good candidate for protecting healthcare workers (HCWs) and other vulnerable groups against COVID-19.
Research
COVID-19 and changes in the National Immunisation Program: a unique opportunity to optimise the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)Christopher Blyth MBBS (Hons) DCH FRACP FRCPA PhD Centre Head, Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases; Co-Head, Infectious Diseases

News & Events
WA’s Omicron wave on a downward trajectory, despite new variantsSophisticated modelling produced is predicting a steady decline in COVID-19 cases in WA throughout August, but hospitalisation rates will remain relatively high.

News & Events
COVID-19 in WA: Why having our kids wear masks at school is the correct callWest Australian children as young as Year 3 are now turning up to school in masks, presenting a new challenge for kids, parents and schools.

A number of organisations have created COVID-19 resources specifically developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

News & Events
Landmark research investigating benefits of COVID-19 vaccination for kids set to launch at The Kids Research Institute AustraliaA first-of-its-kind national study looking at the optimal COVID-19 vaccination strategies for children and adolescents is set to begin at Perth’s The Kids Research Institute Australia thanks to a $3.8 million funding injection from the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Research
Airborne personal protective equipment availability and preparedness in Australian and New Zealand intensive care units: A point prevalence surveyPersonal protective equipment is essential to protect healthcare workers when exposed to aerosol-generating procedures in patients with airborne respiratory pathogens.