Publications by authors named "M J Ferson"
Article Synopsis
- School vaccination programs are essential for achieving high immunization rates among adolescents, but there are significant differences in vaccination coverage across various schools and regions in southeastern Sydney.
- The study analyzed data from 70 schools and found that higher attendance rates were linked to better coverage for the diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (dTpa) vaccine, while single-sex schools had higher HPV vaccination coverage compared to coeducational ones.
- The research suggests that school attendance and coeducational status impact vaccination uptake, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to reduce disparities and improve participation in school-based vaccination programs.
The value of universal screening for COVID-19 cases on cruise ships during outbreaks.
Public Health Res Pract
December 2023
Objectives: To describe the impact of universal screening for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on passengers on cruise ships docking in Sydney, Australia, during 2022 that experienced a significant outbreak of COVID-19. Type of program or service: Cruise ship disease surveillance Methods: Case series, based on analysis of cruise ship voyages where universal screening of passengers was requested by a NSW health authority and undertaken by the cruise ship.
Results: Of 111 voyages in 2022, three fit the definition for this study.
In April 2021, the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) was notified of 3 patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections secondary to skin piercings performed at the same salon. Active case finding through laboratories, clinician alerts, and monitoring hospital visits for piercing-related infections identified additional cases across New South Wales, and consumers were alerted. We identified 13 confirmed and 40 probable case-patients and linked clinical isolates by genomic sequencing.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInvestigation of a legionellosis outbreak in Sydney CBD - a brief report.
Aust N Z J Public Health
April 2023
Article Synopsis
- - The study aimed to identify and control a Legionella outbreak in Sydney CBD, utilizing multiple techniques for accurate detection.
- - Eleven cases of legionellosis were linked to the outbreak, primarily affecting older males, with genomic analysis pinpointing a contaminated cooling water source.
- - The findings emphasize the need for prompt public health responses to such outbreaks and highlight the importance of collaboration between various health professionals for effective source identification.