Resources for Journalists

COVID-19 bivalent booster reduces deaths and hospitalisations in over-65s

Publicly released: Fri 14 Apr 2023 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

The Lancet Infectious Diseases

Our findings highlight the importance of new types of vaccines containing different variants of SARS-CoV-2, which are likely to induce broader immune responses and provide enhanced protection against Read more about COVID-19 bivalent booster reduces deaths and hospitalisations in over-65s

Indigenous people in Australia and NZ at higher risk of hospitalisation and death from the flu

Publicly released: Fri 14 Apr 2023 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS Global Public Health

Australia did a fantastic job during COVID of having First Nations-led plans that worked well. ... Dr Gibney added that surveillance of respiratory virus information is vital for management of the disease. Read more about Indigenous people in Australia and NZ at higher risk of hospitalisation and death from the flu

A measles immunity gap is opening among preschoolers

Publicly released: Fri 14 Apr 2023 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

NZMJ

Disruption from the Covid-19 pandemic may have worsened this, with the worldwide coverage of the first dose of the measles vaccine falling about 7% from 2020 compared to 2019. ... Gaps in measles Read more about A measles immunity gap is opening among preschoolers

Australia's youth employment crisis - a result of COVID-19 or nothing new?

Publicly released: Wed 12 Apr 2023 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

Australian Journal of Social Issues

The precarious employment situation of young Australians was thrown into sharp relief by the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Aussie experts say this is nothing new and not a ... result of COVID-19 Read more about Australia's youth employment crisis - a result of COVID-19 or nothing new?

Pregnant women show robust and variable immunity during COVID-19

Publicly released: Wed 12 Apr 2023 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

JCI Insight

New research from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) has found that pregnant women display a strong immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, comparable to that Read more about Pregnant women show robust and variable immunity during COVID-19

Around 1 in 10 pregnant Aussie women were hesitant about getting a COVID vaccine

Publicly released: Wed 12 Apr 2023 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

BMJ Open

about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. ... The survey, which was conducted between 31 August 2021 and 1 March 2022 also found hesitancy increased over the survey period. Read more about Around 1 in 10 pregnant Aussie women were hesitant about getting a COVID vaccine

What would happen if Covid isolation was no longer mandatory in NZ?

Publicly released: Tue 11 Apr 2023 at 1300 AEST | 1500 NZST

NZ researchers used a mathematical model to figure out how the country’s rates of Covid-19 infections, hospital admissions, and deaths would change if our isolation requirements were scrapped. Read more about What would happen if Covid isolation was no longer mandatory in NZ?

Current strain of COVID-19 still seems to be more deadly than flu

Publicly released: Fri 7 Apr 2023 at 0801 AEST | 1001 NZST

European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID)

Please credit the congress if you use this story Adults hospitalised with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant have a higher death rate than those hospitalised with seasonal influenza, even though Read more about Current strain of COVID-19 still seems to be more deadly than flu

Masks in hospitals may not have major impact on Omicron transmission

Publicly released: Fri 7 Apr 2023 at 0801 AEST | 1001 NZST

European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (EECMID)

week when the Omicron variant became dominant) and 10th September 2022 (when universal COVID-19 screening on admission by PCR stopped) to examine hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infections in relation Read more about Masks in hospitals may not have major impact on Omicron transmission

Early samples from Wuhan market contained COVID-19 virus alongside animal DNA

Publicly released: Thu 6 Apr 2023 at 1015 AEST | 1215 NZST

Nature

The results of the highly anticipated study support the claim that SARS-CoV-2 was prevalent in the Huanan Seafood Market during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, although ... Although these Read more about Early samples from Wuhan market contained COVID-19 virus alongside animal DNA

RSV vaccine for pregnant women provides protection for babies

Publicly released: Thu 6 Apr 2023 at 0700 AEST | 0900 NZST

New England Journal of Medicine

Both trials were funded by Pfizer, which manufactures the vaccine. A world-first study has found a new vaccine against potentially deadly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is safe and effective for Read more about RSV vaccine for pregnant women provides protection for babies

How can you counteract a conspiracy theorist's beliefs?

Publicly released: Thu 6 Apr 2023 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS ONE

Cian O’Mahony of University College Cork, Ireland, and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on April 5. ... Evidence from prior studies suggests that belief in Read more about How can you counteract a conspiracy theorist's beliefs?

Japanese Encephalitis warning in the lead up to Easter holidays

Publicly released: Wed 5 Apr 2023 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

A rapid review of what we know about Japanese Encephalitis (JE) outlines the serious risk that the virus poses, with residents and travellers in South-Eastern Australia only recently being exposed Read more about Japanese Encephalitis warning in the lead up to Easter holidays

Long COVID symptoms in young people could be just as common in those who haven't had COVID-19

Publicly released: Fri 31 Mar 2023 at 1015 AEDT | 1215 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

Symptoms often considered to be signs of long COVID in young people could be just as common in young people who have not had the virus, according to international and Australian ... The team clinically Read more about Long COVID symptoms in young people could be just as common in those who haven't had COVID-19

Mystery rise in childhood hepatitis linked to common virus

Publicly released: Fri 31 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

Nature

In an accompanying News & Views, Frank Tacke considers the part played by COVID-19 lockdowns. ... The wave of hepatitis in spring 2022 coincided with the relaxation of COVID-19 measures around the globe, Read more about Mystery rise in childhood hepatitis linked to common virus

The number of Aussie teens in detention or under supervision by the justice system continues to fall

Publicly released: Fri 31 Mar 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

between 2017–18 to 2021–22, while the rate of young people aged 10–17 fell by 29% (from 19 to 13 per 10,000),’ said AIHW spokesperson Amanda Donges. ... Ms Donges noted the full impact of COVID-19 Read more about The number of Aussie teens in detention or under supervision by the justice system continues to fall

Cities used to be a better place for child development, but that could be changing

Publicly released: Thu 30 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

Nature

The NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, an international group of 1,500 researchers and physicians, collated height and weight data from 71 million young people, aged 5–19 years old, who lived Read more about Cities used to be a better place for child development, but that could be changing

COVID-19 vaccine induces robust T cell responses in blood cancer patients

Publicly released: Wed 29 Mar 2023 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

Cell Reports Medicine

undertook the most comprehensive analysis of adaptive SARS-CoV-2 immunity to date in haematology patients of varying diseases and treatments across three doses of COVID-19 vaccination in comparison Read more about COVID-19 vaccine induces robust T cell responses in blood cancer patients

Severe respiratory infections during pregnancy associated with some congenital cardiovascular defects

Publicly released: Wed 29 Mar 2023 at 0945 AEDT | 1145 NZDT

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Impacts of COVID-19 Several other questions remain, including the impacts of COVID-19, which emerged after the study period of 2001-2016. ... So far from other studies there is no evidence that COVID-19 Read more about Severe respiratory infections during pregnancy associated with some congenital cardiovascular defects

Women, children and families bear brunt of homelessness

Publicly released: Tue 28 Mar 2023 at 1630 AEDT | 1830 NZDT

The number of Queensland women and children experiencing homelessness would now be much higher than the just-released Census data due to the impact of COVID, population movement into the state, Read more about Women, children and families bear brunt of homelessness

Can't be bothered getting another COVID-19 vaccine? Would cash convince you?

Publicly released: Tue 28 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

Nature Medicine

With only around 45% of the eligible Australian population having had four or more doses of COVID-19 vaccines, it seems people may be getting tired of the repeated requests to ... The researchers found Read more about Can't be bothered getting another COVID-19 vaccine? Would cash convince you?

Having a COVID-19 booster while pregnant lowers your baby's risk

Publicly released: Fri 24 Mar 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Medicine

The team monitored COVID-19-related hospitalisations among nearly 50,000 babies born in Israel, and the vaccination records of their mums during periods of Delta and Omicron spread. ... They say for third Read more about Having a COVID-19 booster while pregnant lowers your baby's risk

People with severe COVID-19 could use Paxlovid to stop long-COVID

Publicly released: Fri 24 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

JAMA Internal Medicine

For people with COVID-19 and at least one risk factor for progression to severe disease, treatment with the antiviral medication nirmatrelvir - otherwise known as Paxlovid - within five days of a Read more about People with severe COVID-19 could use Paxlovid to stop long-COVID

What factors increase your risk of developing long-COVID?

Publicly released: Fri 24 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

JAMA Internal Medicine

The team conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 41 studies including 860,000 patients to determine what risk factors were associated with long-COVID. ... g. , age and sex), comorbidities, and Read more about What factors increase your risk of developing long-COVID?

Governments gave a poor level of support for people stranded overseas during COVID-19

Publicly released: Wed 22 Mar 2023 at 1001 AEDT | 1201 NZDT

European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID)

Alarming rates of depression and anxiety In further research to examine the psychological and financial impact of COVID-19 travel restrictions, the team surveyed more than 2,400 individuals stranded Read more about Governments gave a poor level of support for people stranded overseas during COVID-19

Bad at baking? A 3D printer could one day do it for you

Publicly released: Wed 22 Mar 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

npj Science of Food

Peanut butter and Nutella were best used as supporting layers to form pools to hold the softer ingredients: banana and jam. ... Additionally, with more emphasis on food safety following the COVID-19 Read more about Bad at baking? A 3D printer could one day do it for you

How a Scottish minimum unit price on alcohol prevented 150 alcohol-related deaths per year

Publicly released: Tue 21 Mar 2023 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

The Lancet

The authors acknowledge some limitations to the study, including that there was an impact on hospital capacity and attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic, which increases the uncertainty of the Read more about How a Scottish minimum unit price on alcohol prevented 150 alcohol-related deaths per year

New Zealand’s low excess mortality during the Omicron outbreak a 'remarkable success"

Publicly released: Tue 21 Mar 2023 at 1048 AEDT | 1248 NZDT

Frontiers in Public Health

Of four territories that transitioned from a “zero-COVID” policy to a “living-with-COVID” policy following the Omicron outbreak in 2022, New Zealand was the only one that maintained a Read more about New Zealand’s low excess mortality during the Omicron outbreak a 'remarkable success"

What do we know about COVID-19's impact on Aussie kids?

Publicly released: Tue 21 Mar 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Australian Journal of Social Issues

Research from across Australia shows children of different ages and different social situations were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of ways still being discovered, according to Aussie Read more about What do we know about COVID-19's impact on Aussie kids?

Men bearing the brunt of alcohol-related injury and death in Australia

Publicly released: Tue 21 Mar 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

There were 20% fewer alcohol-related injury hospitalisations during April 2020 – a period affected by COVID-19 lockdowns – compared to the same month the previous year. ... However, alcohol-related Read more about Men bearing the brunt of alcohol-related injury and death in Australia

Paxlovid could slash Covid death rate

Publicly released: Sat 18 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

JAMA Health Forum

They estimated the Covid-19 antiviral is only being taken by 5% of those eligible to receive it, resulting in the overall Covid-19 hospitalisation and mortality rates being lowered by ... However when Read more about Paxlovid could slash Covid death rate

EXPERT REACTION: Lord Howe Island closed to tourists over myrtle rust risk

Publicly released: Fri 17 Mar 2023 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

Much of Lord Howe Island in NSW has been closed to non-essential visitors in a bid to protect the island from the threat of myrtle rust. ... The disease-causing fungus was first detected on the island Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Lord Howe Island closed to tourists over myrtle rust risk

World’s strongest MRI investigates COVID and chronic fatigue impacts on the brain

Publicly released: Wed 15 Mar 2023 at 1500 AEDT | 1700 NZDT

Frontiers in Neuroscience

Griffith University researchers have used an ultra-high field MRI (7 Tesla) to investigate how COVID-19 and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) mirror the same effects on the Read more about World’s strongest MRI investigates COVID and chronic fatigue impacts on the brain

Pandemic stress had a greater impact on those who were pregnant

Publicly released: Wed 15 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

A follow-up study, published today in JAMA Network Open, looked at COVID-19 related stress in the postpartum period, 1. ... Unsurprisingly, COVID-19 related stress was associated with more mental health Read more about Pandemic stress had a greater impact on those who were pregnant

Checking children’s wellbeing: before and after COVID-19

Publicly released: Tue 14 Mar 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Australian Journal of Social Issues

The study was originally just focused on children’s overall wellbeing, however the advent of COVID presented a new assessment window, with one cohort having played the game twice before any Read more about Checking children’s wellbeing: before and after COVID-19

Sleeping well could help boost the effectiveness of vaccines

Publicly released: Tue 14 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

Current Biology

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and mass-vaccination became an international priority, Spiegel and Van Cauter set out to summarize our current knowledge about the effect of sleep duration on Read more about Sleeping well could help boost the effectiveness of vaccines

Decoding dragons and devils, what triggers volcanoes, and more: Australia’s stars of science

Publicly released: Tue 14 Mar 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

From investigating the structure of space-time to the inner workings of volcanoes and the genetics of sex—twenty-two scientists are today recognised by the Australian Academy of Science for Read more about Decoding dragons and devils, what triggers volcanoes, and more: Australia’s stars of science

Finding the diet myths ‘hidden’ in social media

Publicly released: Mon 13 Mar 2023 at 1300 AEDT | 1500 NZDT

Journal of Sociology

Dr Smith said the research provided insight into how easily misinformation spread in an online genre that mixed correct and incorrect information. ... In addition, the destabilising environment of the Read more about Finding the diet myths ‘hidden’ in social media

Kids’ COVID calculator to better inform parents

Publicly released: Mon 13 Mar 2023 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Parents can now use a ‘COVID calculator’ to help weigh up the risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccinations for their children. ... The calculator was initially designed to help adults make an informed Read more about Kids’ COVID calculator to better inform parents

Smoking rates surge during COVID-19

Publicly released: Fri 10 Mar 2023 at 1115 AEDT | 1315 NZDT

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Tobacco and nicotine consumption have been decreasing in Australia, however the COVID-19 pandemic may have temporarily disrupted this trend,” Dr Thai said. ... The introduction of lockdowns, social Read more about Smoking rates surge during COVID-19

How to protect classrooms against Covid-19 and other infections

Publicly released: Fri 10 Mar 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

New Zealand Medical Journal

They say schools should be one of the safest places for children to be, and their access to learning should be protected during public health emergencies. ... Instead, Aotearoa New Zealand’s "business-as Read more about How to protect classrooms against Covid-19 and other infections

Mental health may not have gotten much worse during the pandemic after all

Publicly released: Thu 9 Mar 2023 at 1710 AEDT | 1910 NZDT

The BMJ

Mental health among the general public has not changed by large amounts during the covid-19 pandemic compared with pre-pandemic levels, according to international research. ... To address this, Read more about Mental health may not have gotten much worse during the pandemic after all

Long Covid is much less likely after omicron than after the original strain

Publicly released: Thu 9 Mar 2023 at 1001 AEDT | 1201 NZDT

European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID 2023)

The omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is much less likely to lead to long Covid than the variant circulating at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new ... why. ” Dr Strahm assessed rates of Read more about Long Covid is much less likely after omicron than after the original strain

Moving on from COVID-19 means facing its impact on mental health

Publicly released: Thu 9 Mar 2023 at 0715 AEDT | 0915 NZDT

Frontiers in Psychiatry

A new review on the global mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic confirms feared increases in depression and anxiety, with leading experts saying little has been done to address ... first-of-its-ki Read more about Moving on from COVID-19 means facing its impact on mental health

Silicon, gold and copper among new weapons against COVID-19

Publicly released: Tue 7 Mar 2023 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

Chemical Science

New Curtin research has found the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2, a strain of coronaviruses that caused the COVID-19 pandemic, become trapped when they come into contact with silicon, ... Published in Read more about Silicon, gold and copper among new weapons against COVID-19

Victorians sought for trial of immune responses to fourth COVID-19 vaccine

Publicly released: Tue 7 Mar 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Antibody levels are used to determine immunity against COVID-19. The trial will monitor how antibodies change over time and how this differs in the control and vaccine groups and in ... All countries are Read more about Victorians sought for trial of immune responses to fourth COVID-19 vaccine

Test developed for bat-borne virus in Asia

Publicly released: Mon 6 Mar 2023 at 1600 AEDT | 1800 NZDT

Frontiers in Microbiology

Symptoms of the virus in humans are fever, headache, coughing, difficulty breathing and vomiting. ... Postdoctoral researcher Dr Nina Pollak, who applied the UniSC technology for Nipah virus detection, Read more about Test developed for bat-borne virus in Asia

EXPERT REACTION: 'Oceans treaty' agreement reached

Publicly released: Mon 6 Mar 2023 at 1130 AEDT | 1330 NZDT

It is also vital for achieving ocean-related goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,” said the statement, Read more about EXPERT REACTION: 'Oceans treaty' agreement reached

NZ-made Covid-19 booster vaccine offers 100% protection in mice

Publicly released: Fri 3 Mar 2023 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

iScience

The "Kiwi Vax" vaccine provides complete protection against Covid-19 - including the Omicron variant - and prevents the virus from replicating in mice exposed to it, according to a preclinical study. Read more about NZ-made Covid-19 booster vaccine offers 100% protection in mice

How effective are our COVID-19 booster vaccines as new variants emerge?

Publicly released: Fri 3 Mar 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Medicine

severe COVID-19 and variant-modified vaccines may provide additional protection even if they come up against a different variant to the one they are designed to target. ... 6 times better immunity against Read more about How effective are our COVID-19 booster vaccines as new variants emerge?