This session will provide a comprehensive overview of acute respiratory infection epidemiology, including expectations for 2026, and current clinical guidance concerning influenza, RSV and COVID-19 immunisation programs. This session will highlight current clinical advice, including what’s new or changing, to inform you ahead of winter.
RACGP accreditation pending.
Learning outcomes:
- Describe the epidemiology of acute respiratory infections in Tasmania and Australia.
- Demonstrate where to access current surveillance data for acute respiratory infections in Tasmania and Australia.
- Explain current clinical guidance concerning influenza, RSV and COVID-19 immunisation programs for 2026, including where to access key resources.
- Understand the key public health advice to reduce acute respiratory infection-related burden of illness in the population, particularly in vulnerable groups at risk of severe disease. This includes testing, antiviral treatment, outbreak preparedness, and response for residential aged care and immunisation.
Speaker information:
Dr Shannon Melody is a Public Health Physician and Epidemiologist who works as the Specialist Medical Advisor at Public Health Services. Shannon has worked in Public Health for over ten years. She provides medical support to the Immunisation team in Public Health Services and represents Tasmania on several national immunisation and communicable disease control forums.
Leah Willis has been an Authorised Nurse immuniser for over 17 years and has extensive experience as a Paediatric nurse and Child and Family Health nurse. Her immunisation experience includes provision of childhood immunisations in a clinic setting, adolescent school-based programs and workplace settings.
Nicola Mulcahy has worked across both the Response and Immunisation teams in Public Health Services. She has previously worked in the area of Population Health Research at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research and also has a background in General Practice and Community Health Nursing.