Influenza and pertussis vaccine coverage in pregnancy in Australia, 2016-2021.

Vaccination in pregnancy is the best strategy to reduce complications from influenza or pertussis infection in infants who are too young to be protected directly from vaccination. Pregnant women are also at risk of influenza complications preventable through antenatal vaccination. Both vaccines are funded under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women in Australia, but coverage is not routinely reported nationally.

Rotavirus specific maternal antibodies and immune response to RV3-BB rotavirus vaccine in central java and yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Background: Placental or breast milk maternal antibodies can potentially reduce oral rotavirus vaccine efficacy in developing countries. We aimed to examine the relationship between the level of rotavirus specific immunoglobulin A (IgA) and neutralising antibodies (NA) in colostrum and breast milk and cord IgG, with cumulative vaccine take following one and three doses of oral RV3-BB rotavirus vaccine within a Phase IIb trial in Indonesia.

Methods: 196 infants received three doses of RV3-BB in a randomized, double-blinded trial, using a neonatal schedule (first dose at 0-5 days of age, n = 61), an infant schedule (first dose at ~ 8 weeks of age, n = 67) or placebo (n = 68).

Parental Immunisation Needs and Attitudes Survey in paediatric hospital clinics and community maternal and child health centres in Melbourne, Australia.

Aim: Despite Australia's high vaccination rates, an estimated 3.3% of children are under-vaccinated due to vaccine refusal and the proportion of parents with concerns is unclear. Amongst Australian parents, we aimed to determine the prevalence of vaccine concerns, resources and health-care providers (HCPs) accessed and satisfaction with these resources in two different settings.

Medication prescribed by Australian paediatricians: Psychotropics predominate.

Aim: The aims of this study were to examine: (i) medications prescribed by Australian general and community paediatricians, (ii) predictors of prescribing (child age, gender) and (iii) changes in medication prescription between 2008 and 2013.

Methods: Two patient-level practice national audits were conducted by the Australian Paediatric Research Network in 2008 and 2013. General and community paediatricians in outpatient clinics and private practices recorded demographic data, diagnoses and medications prescribed for all patients seen over a 2-week period.

Trends in paediatric practice in Australia: 2008 and 2013 national audits from the Australian Paediatric Research Network.

Aim: In adult medicine, rates of investigation and prescribing appear to be increasing. Such information is lacking for paediatrics. We audited Australian paediatricians' practices in 2013 to determine changes since 2008 in: (i) conditions seen; (ii) consultation duration; (iii) imaging and pathology ordered; and (iv) prescribing.

Management of food allergy: a survey of Australian paediatricians.

Aim: The prevalence of Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy in the developed world is increasing, overwhelming tertiary allergy services. Alternative models of care are required. General paediatricians could provide this care but may require further training to do so.