International outbreaks of the almost-forgotten disease diphtheria and pockets of low immunisation coverage put Australians at risk of catching the disease.
The flu shot is free for at-risk groups, and available to others for around $10-$25.
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Kanta Subbarao, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
While not perfect, the seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect against influenza. There are a few changes to the flu vaccine and what is available this year. Here’s what you need to know.
Young children catch and spread the flu more than any other age group.
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The flu vaccine isn’t perfect but it’s the best way to protect against these potentially harmful viruses. Most children aged six months to five years are eligible for a free vaccine in 2018.
The polio vaccination campaign in Nigeria is being hampered.
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Meningococcal is a rare but very serious infection that can lead to blood poisoning and brain infection. But no single vaccine protects against all the strains.
A polio patient in an iron lung, 1940.
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A new version of Gardasil, the HPV vaccine that protects against cervical cancer, has just been approved for listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule.
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Most immunisation campaigns continue to primarily focus on infants and children, but almost 4 million Australian adults are not vaccinated against preventable diseases.
For some parents, the decision to vaccinate requires more than just objective evidence.
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Whilst most parents do vaccinate, health professionals often find it difficult to talk with those who are hesitant or decline. A new resource provides information and communication support.
One Nation senator Pauline Hanson told Insiders: ‘You can have a test on your child first’ before vaccinating.
AAP/Richard Wainwright
Speaking on the ABC program Insiders, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson suggested there are tests available to see if children will have an adverse reaction to vaccinations. We asked three experts.
Our immune system protects us but when it comes to some mosquito-borne disease, it can work against us. What are the implications for the development of a Zika virus vaccine?
The shingles or zoster vaccine (Zostavax) is made from a live but weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus.
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From November 1, the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine will be available for free to people aged 70 to 79 years. So how and why do you get shingles, and who should be vaccinated?
Minority groups such as migrants are almost always pro-vaccination.
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The Commonwealth government’s “no jab, no pay” legislation is disadvantaging migrant children. Many families are having essential payments withheld despite their children being vaccinated.
An Ethiopian boy receives a polio vaccination. Africa has done well with polio eradication but lags behind other vaccination efforts.
Unicef Ethiopia/2013/Sewunet
Every year hundreds of thousands of children die from vaccine-preventable diseases. Africa leaders could change this if they improved vaccination efforts.
Parents are sensitive to what they hear about vaccines.
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Bats can carry some of the deadliest diseases known to affect humans and yet they don’t seem to get sick. So what can we learn from a bat’s immune system?
Paediatrician at the Royal Childrens Hospital and Associate Professor and Clinician Scientist, University of Melbourne and MCRI, Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Paediatrician, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance; Clinical Lecturer, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney