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PCV10 elicits Protein D IgG responses in Papua New Guinean children but has no impact on NTHi carriage in the first two years of life

Nasopharyngeal colonisation with nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is associated with development of infections including pneumonia and otitis media. The 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) uses NTHi Protein D (PD) as a carrier. Papua New Guinean children have exceptionally early and dense NTHi carriage, and high rates of NTHi-associated disease.

Influenza disease and vaccination in children in Australia

Over the past decade, multiple initiatives have been implemented to strengthen influenza vaccination programs in Australia, with an increasing focus on children. In this article, we review these changes, the events that prompted them, and how they have influenced influenza vaccine uptake in Australia.

Primary prevention of acute rheumatic fever

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an abnormal immune reaction following Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A) infection of the throat, and likely the skin. Primary prevention is the prompt and appropriate antibiotic treatment of Strep A infection, and it can reduce the risk of developing ARF and subsequent rheumatic heart disease.

New needle-free flu vaccine aims for major lift in uptake rates

Researchers at The Kids Research Institute Australia hope an Australian-first nasal spray vaccine for two to 11-year-olds will boost flu vaccination this winter.

New Strong Skin app puts skin health support in the palm of your hand

Aboriginal families across Western Australia are being equipped with the knowledge to take early action against potentially life-threatening skin infections thanks to the launch of a Strong Skin phone app.

Record rates of ear disease discovered in PNG children

The first ever comprehensive study to estimate the prevalence of otitis media (OM) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has revealed some of the world’s highest rates of childhood middle ear disease.

Simple SMS ‘nudge’ a powerful prompt for timely vaccination

10,000 families participating in research by The Kids Research Institute Australia have demonstrated the effectiveness of a simple text message for increasing the number of children receiving their vaccinations on time.

Good bacteria ally in the fight against Strep A

Innovative research aiming to prevent the spread of Strep A using ‘friendly’ bacteria in the throat has received a $1.5 million boost in the latest round of National Health and Medical Research Council grants.

Four BrightSpark Fellowships awarded to early-career researchers at The Kids

Congratulations to four outstanding early-career researchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia, who have been awarded BrightSpark Foundation fellowships and project funding for 2026.

New cultural safety initiative guides best practice for clinical research

Perth investigators involved in a major global trial have launched an innovative Cultural Information Hub to maximise cultural safety for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients participating in research.