Australia's population is ageing and strategies to improve health in older adults are necessary to prevent an increasing burden on our health system. Adult vaccination is a relatively under-researched area with great potential to prevent disease in the population. This project focuses on four common vaccine preventable disease in adults, herpes zoster (shingles), influenza, invasive pneumococcal disease and pertussis. It will identify what their impact is on the health system and what groups of adults would benefit most from vaccination

This NHMRC CRE in Population Health Research commenced in 2012 and is focused on immunisation for vulnerable or marginalised population subgroups at increased disease risk. These risk groups suffer disproportionate morbidity and mortality, either because of less robust immunity or because of co-morbidities and environmental factors. Research to inform immunisation policy and practice in these groups usually remains beyond the scope of funding from government or industry, and as such is the focus of our CRE.

We are committed to capacity building of future leaders, post-doctoral…

This proposed research addresses the need for real-time tracking of emerging infectious diseases, both spatially and temporally, to inform international and national outbreak response teams, aid in the implementation of real-time containment strategies and ultimately the timely control of emerging infectious diseases.

The congregation of students, who may have similar infectious diseases risks, may amplify infectious disease outbreaks, as seen in the USA. In contrast to the USA, there are no existing requirements at universities in Australia regarding proof of immunisation.

Although the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship recommends students visiting Australia ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations, this is not a visa entry requirement. There are limited data on the infectious disease risks for international students. Domestic university students may also…