Primary Prevention Of Infant Food Allergy: A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Postnatal Vitamin D Supplementation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,723,793.00
Summary
Low vitamin D has been linked to a range of health conditions but, unlike many countries, Australia does not recommend supplementing infants with vitamin D. Good quality research on the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation to prevent disease is lacking. Our trial of 2330 infants examines whether a daily dose of vitamin D prevents the development of food allergy. Vitamin D is safe and low cost. Infant supplementation may be the first simple strategy to reduce this common childhood condition
Links2HealthierBubs: Influenza And Pertussis Vaccine Effectiveness And Safety In Pregnancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$676,333.00
Summary
Vaccination during pregnancy can offer protection against severe respiratory disease for infants in the first six months of life. For this reason, influenza and pertussis vaccines are routinely recommended during each pregnancy. Unfortunately, little is known about the ‘real world’ effect of both vaccines. We plan to conduct the largest and most comprehensive study to date to evaluate all vaccines routinely recommended in pregnancy in Australia.
FluMum: A Prospective Cohort Study Of Mother-infant Pairs Assessing The Effectiveness Of Maternal Influenza Vaccination In Prevention Of Influenza In Early Infancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,598,377.00
Summary
Influenza is a serious illness for young babies. Currently there are no vaccines that can be given to babies under 6 months of age to protect them from infection. This study aims to determine whether influenza vaccine given in pregnancy can prevent infection in babies up to 6 months of age.
BCG Immunisation To Prevent Allergy In Children: An Intervention Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,187,260.00
Summary
There has been a dramatic rise in allergic diseases (asthma, eczema, food allergy) worldwide and particularly in Australia, with up to 30% of children affected. There is evidence from small studies that BCG immunisation has beneficial effects that prevent an allergic type immune response later in life. In a large randomised trial we will determine whether BCG at birth prevents allergic disease by monitoring eczema and food sensitivity in infancy, both of which predict an allergic predisposition.