Parents of babies in Perth and Adelaide are being urged to take part in a landmark study to examine the best ways to keep their child safe from influenza this winter, amid a surge in serious infections.
Researchers at The Kids Research Institute Australia, Perth Children’s Hospital and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide are leading the FluBub study, examining the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine given to babies at two months rather than six.
Babies are most susceptible to flu in the early months of life and can suffer complications like pneumonia and inflammation of the heart, brain and muscle tissue.
The study, supported by the Channel 7 Telethon Trust, is in its fourth year of research and comes amid the onset of an early flu season in Australia with young children hit hardest.
A recent case which led to the death of a three-year-old Perth boy highlights the danger the virus poses for young children. Babies under six months are particularly at risk because of their developing immune system.
Professor Chris Blyth, Director of the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases based at The Kids Research Institute Australia, Perth Children’s Hospital and The University of Western Australia’s Medical School, said the severity of this flu season meant the study was more important than ever.
“This year has already seen an early influx of severe flu cases amongst children Australia-wide, which coincides with reduced flu vaccination uptake,” Professor Blyth said.
We have already seen an increase in hospitalisations with one recent death, and we are keen to protect as many babies and children as possible.
“The FluBub study looks to protect vulnerable babies with fragile immunity by testing the effectiveness of a vaccine administered earlier, giving them vital protections from deadly flu seasons – like the one we are now experiencing.”
Lead researcher in South Australia, Professor Helen Marshall, Medical Director of the Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, said the study played a crucial role in developing our understanding of how early protection from the flu can prime a baby’s immune system for the rest of their lives.
“The severity of this flu season and the impact on children, signals the importance of research into providing vaccines earlier for babies, with results helping to guide future immunisation guidelines,” Professor Marshall said.
The study is currently looking to recruit mothers and babies to help researchers provide key information about flu immunity in babies to help guide future immunisation policy.
Eligible participants in Perth can sign up by emailing flububstudy@telethonkids.org.au and interested families in Adelaide can speak to the FluBub Study team by calling 81 616 328 or emailing virtu@adelaide.edu.au
Further information is available about the FluBub study is available here: FluBub Study (telethonkids.org.au)