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Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Public Health Measures on Detections of Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Children During the 2020 Australian Winter

Public health measures targeting coronavirus disease 2019 have potential to impact transmission of other respiratory viruses. We found 98.0% and 99.4% reductions in respiratory syncytial virus and influenza detections, respectively, in Western Australian children through winter 2020 despite schools reopening. Border closures have likely been important in limiting external introductions.

Australia needs a prioritised national research strategy for clinical trials in a pandemic: lessons learned from COVID-19

The emergence of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), sparking a global pandemic, has driven an imperative to quickly design and conduct treatment studies. We strongly propose a national, coordinated approach for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), future pandemics and inter-pandemic periods in Australia.

Key steps in our journey to a COVID-19 vaccine program

Providing a safe and effective coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccination program is required to mitigate against the current and future negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of all Australians from COVID‐19. An effective vaccination program is a key element required to facilitate economic recovery, safe movement throughout and beyond Australia and a return to the quality of life previously experienced.

Sophisticated modelling shows WA’s Omicron outbreak still has months to run

Western Australia’s Omicron outbreak is far from over, with new modelling showing the number of total infections is only at its half-way point.

Sophisticated new modelling suggests keeping mask mandate could prevent 147,000 COVID-19 cases

WA’s current Omicron COVID-19 outbreak could jump by 147,000 cases if mask mandates are abandoned before the Easter long weekend, according to sophisticated new modelling.

COVID tests well tolerated by WA school kids

A study conducted across 40 WA schools has found COVID-19 testing using a combined nose and throat swab was well tolerated by children as young as 4 years.

Assessing COVID-19 Across Western Australian Schools

Western Australia has been highly successful at containing community spread of COVID-19 to date.

Minderoo Foundation funds vaccine trial to protect WA healthcare workers from COVID-19

At least 2,000 WA healthcare workers will help test whether an existing tuberculosis vaccine can reduce their chance of COVID-19 infection, lessen the severity of symptoms and boost immunity.

Funding boost for digital health program

The Kids Research Institute Australia is pleased to share in $490,000 in State Government funding designed to provide vital support to WA’s innovation sector in the wake of COVID-19.

Understanding motivation and experience in participating in a paediatric SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey, in Australia

Serosurveys are considered as a valuable tool in estimating population immunity and infection rates but recruitment of children to provide paediatric estimates can be challenging. A novel approach of sampling children undergoing anaesthesia was utilised for a SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey in Australian children and we explore the reasons for participation, feedback on the approach and importance of research into Coronavirus Diseases 2019 (COVID-19).