Rotavirus hospitalisations are more prevalent in the Northern Territory (NT) than anywhere else in Australia.
Menzies have a major focus on immunisation and vaccine-preventable diseases and are investigating ways to improve management of common diseases that affect Indigenous children, such as the rotavirus vaccine. This vaccination became routine for NT infants in October 2006.
Our research focus:
- To investigate the effectiveness of the rotavirus and other vaccines in the NT.
Our research impact:
- A Menzies study called ‘PneuMum’ established that vaccination of mothers has led to increased antibody transfer to their babies. This is a step towards establishing whether mothers can transfer antibody protection to their babies through breast milk - ultimately preventing ear disease.