Please check the following websites for information and updates regarding the Swine Influenza situation.
•    The World Health Organisation
•    Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
•    Queensland Health
•    General Practice Queensland

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Three of Australia’s key organisations with a focus on mental health and young people, beyondblue: the national depression initiative, headspace and Kids Helpline are making a joint appeal to corporate Australia to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis on young Australians. The recent ABS employment figures and predicted further rise in youth unemployment has the mental health agencies very concerned.

Click here for more info.

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Booster immunisation against pertussis (whooping cough) is necessary to protect adolescents and adults against the disease especially during epidemics, according to respiratory experts.

Pertussis is now more common in people aged 15 years and over than it is in children. Disease outbreaks have been associated with waning immunity in older children and adolescents, write Dr Julie Marchant and Professor Anne Chang of the Royal Children's Hospital in Brisbane, in the latest edition of Australian Prescriber.

Importance of the Pertussis Vaccination
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends a booster dose of dTpa for the following groups:
•    Adults planning a pregnancy
•    Parents immediately post-delivery (preferably before hospital discharge) Please note: It is safe to administer the vaccine in the post natal period and while breast feeding
•    Carers of young children, eg, grandparents
•    Adults working with young children, especially child care workers
•    Any adult expressing an interest in receiving a booster dose

It is very important that parents and close family members are vaccinated against pertussis as in 50% of cases in infants, family members have been identified as the source of infection. Data on duration of immunity is limited, although immunity to pertussis is likely to wane after 10 years and therefore booster doses may be beneficial after this time.

As per the National Immunisation Program in Queensland, dTpa (Boostrix) is only funded for children in Year 10. Anyone else requesting dTpa vaccination will need to purchase the vaccine.

Queensland Health Resources
Pertussis infection in infants is substantially higher then in previous years. Queensland Health is strongly encouraging the vaccination of infants and new parents, as new parents are the most common source of infection.

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A Trial to Prevent Type 1 Diabetes
The Type 1 Diabetes Prevention Study is an Australian trial investigating whether intranasal administration of insulin will reduce the rate of development of Type 1 Diabetes in at-risk individuals.

The Type 1 Diabetes Prevention Study is now well underway with over 6 500 participants registered. This trial is investigating whether intranasal administration of insulin will reduce the rate of development of diabetes in children and young adults at risk of Type 1 diabetes. The study is seeking healthy people aged between 4 and 30, with a first- or second-degree relative with Type 1 Diabetes. Participants must be willing to undergo a blood test in the first instance, and would then be invited into the trial if found to be at high risk for the disease.

For further information please visit www.stopdiabetes.com.au, or call 1300 138 712. for an information pack.

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Diabetes in the General Care Setting Training Program
RHealth and GP Connections are holding a two-day workshop on Diabetes in the General Care Setting on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June 2009 in Toowoomba.

Click here for more information.