MJA podcast now available: COVID-19 in Australia with Professor Allen Cheng
The MJA have released a podcast with Professor Allen Cheng, Director of the Infection Prevention and Healthcare Epidemiology Unit at Alfred Health. He and MJA news and online editor Cate Swannell discuss how COVID-19 may behave in Australia and how we can protect ourselves and our patients.
Listen to the podcast here:
MJA Podcasts 2020 Episode 8: COVID-19 in Australia, with Prof Allen Cheng
Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) 2020 - Postponed
Due to the current uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 situation which WHO has now declared a pandemic, the 11th CVU is postponed.
Please see our Events page for more details.
When should I get the flu vaccine, and does coronavirus change things?
With the presence of coronavirus in Australia, people are wondering whether they need to get the flu vaccine early this year.
According to ABC News the flu vaccine won't combat COVID-19, however, it does reduce the severity and spread of seasonal influenza, as contacting influenza can lower a person's immunity and make them more susceptible to other illnesses.
Timing is important with the flu vaccine. it is important to be protected when the flu season starts and also several months later, when flu activity peaks. To ensure the highest level of protection during peak flu season, the Department of Health recommends people get vaccinated from mid April.
Read the full article here:
ABC News: When should I get the flu vaccine, and does coronavirus change things?
Worried about your child getting coronavirus? Here’s what you need to know
Early advice on 2020 National Immunisation Program seasonal influenza vaccination
Australia's Chief Medical Officer has released a statement providing early advice for vaccination providers on the 2020 seasonal influenza vaccines available through the National Immunisation Program.
Chief Medical Officer letter - Early advice for the 2020 influenza season and ATAGI statement
News article for Health Care Providers - 2020 seasonal influenza vaccines
Coronavirus: What are viruses? And how do they spread?
Dr Rosalind Eggo of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine explains in this video from the BBC how viruses like the recently-detected coronavirus can spread globally.
BBC: What are viruses? And how do they spread?