While influenza has hit WA earlier and harder than usual this year, it’s difficult to predict when the flu season will end. Cases of the flu generally continue through to September, so it’s still very important to make sure those most at risk, including young children, pregnant women, Aboriginal Australians, older Australians and those with chronic conditions, are protected. Find out more about the flu vaccine from paediatrician and infectious diseases researcher Dr Chris Blyth.

The Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases has appointed two new Co-Directors – Dr Lea-Ann Kirkham and Dr Chris Blyth. Dr Lea-Ann Kirkham is an internationally respected infectious diseases microbiologist and Co-head of the Bacterial Respiratory Infectious Disease Group at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases. Her vision is to develop improved therapies, including vaccines and vaccine schedules, to significantly reduce the global burden of childhood ear and lung diseases.

The Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases has appointed two new Co-Directors – Dr Lea-Ann Kirkham and Dr Chris Blyth. Dr Chris Blyth is Head of Infectious Diseases at Perth Children’s Hospital and Co-head of the Infectious Diseases Epidemiology at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases. As a paediatrician working with patients in a clinical setting, Dr Blyth has first-hand knowledge of deadly diseases affecting children and is heavily involved in the latest national and global research on influenza, pneumonia and immunisation.

Guest reporter Jamie gets the inside scoop from Professor Peter Richmond about the Pneumococcal Study for Babies.

Find out why researchers from the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases are dedicated to providing a healthier start to life for all children, made possible thanks to vital funding from Wesfarmers Limited.

Leading infectious diseases researcher, Clinical Associate Professor Deborah Lehmann AO, has been named a finalist for the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes for her work training and mentoring a new generation of researchers. Professor Lehmann has been honoured in the Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers category for the prestigious national awards rewarding excellence in the fields of research & innovation, leadership, science engagement and school science.