A new era in RSV illness prevention
The seasonal flu jab has dominated the preventative health landscape for decades. We know older people are at increased risk of serious disease associated with influenza, and comfortably lead conversations around this each year. But what about RSV?
Despite recognising the elevated risk of severe RSV illness in older people, until recently, no preventive measures were available. Over 60 years of research has culminated in the launch of immunisation against RSV, marking a new era in vaccine-preventable disease and a significant step in protecting older adults. But in the face of vaccine hesitancy and other barriers to uptake, how can we support older people in conversations about RSV vaccination? Join our consumer representative and expert panel to hear more about the lived experience of RSV, evidence for the vaccine, and practical advice for conversations in primary care.
Ask the panel your questions at registration, or live during the Q&A session.
Learning outcomes:
- Outline the disease burden of RSV in Australia, including populations at highest risk of serious disease.
- Discuss the evidence for different vaccinations available to protect older people from RSV.
- Identify support pathways and resources to enable meaningful conversations about the RSV vaccine with older people.
An Infectious Diseases Physician and Clinical Microbiologist, Professor Paul Griffin was appointed as the Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Health Services in 2013, and most recently, to his conjoint role as Head of the Mater Clinical Unit for the University of Queensland School of Medicine. Paul is an accomplished clinical trial investigator, having fulfilled the role of Principal Investigator in over 150 clinical trials, particularly in Infectious Diseases including 8 COVID-19 vaccines. Despite an already demanding role at the Mater, Paul continues as a member of the AMA Queensland Council 2023-2024, and as board member and scientific advisory board member of the Immunisation Coalition, with active interest in vaccine education and advocacy, becoming a trusted media authority and spokesperson across the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Professor Charlotte Hespe is the Head of General Practice and Primary Care Research at the Sydney School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA). She leads a research network specialising in primary care and General Practice projects. In addition to her academic role, she is an active GP clinician and practice owner of Glebe Family Medical Practice (GFMP), a medium-sized general practice in Inner City Sydney, with 16 doctors (8 FTE), 3 practice nurses, and 3 part-time allied health practitioners. . GFMP is a teaching practice for medical students and GP registrars in the RACGP training program and was recognised as the RACGP Practice of the Year for NSW/ACT in 2018.
Professor Hespe also serves as a Deputy Director of Professional Services Review, Clinical Lead for the Australian Digital Health Agency, and advisor to the NSW Health Department on GP-related issues, including the Lumos project and ACI GP Advisory Committee
Her research focuses on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the implementation of best practice guidelines, driven by her belief in the critical role of GPs in reducing patient morbidity and mortality through quality improvement strategies. This culminated in her PhD thesis, “Implementing Quality Improvement Strategies in Real-World General Practice: A Study Focused on Cardiovascular Disease,” completed in 2022.
In 2024, Professor Hespe was awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to general medicine as a practitioner, academic, and mentor. She was also recognised on the COVID-19 Honour Roll for her contributions during the pandemic.
Linda has been living with COPD since 2000. She lives on Gold Coast with her daughter and her lovely family. Linda is a country girl by heart and a big animal lover, as she lived in Lockyer Valley for many years.Before being diagnosed with RSV in winter 2022, Linda hadn’t heard of the virus. She fell ill with RSV very quickly and experienced complications due to her preexisting lung condition. Linda is proud to share her story of RSV-related illness in the hope that her message will encourage others to take preventative measures.
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