The who, what and why of meningococcal vaccines
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is caused by the bacterium N. meningitidis (commonly known as meningococcus).1 Globally, 5 serogroups most commonly cause disease (A, B, C, W and Y) and in Australia, 3 serogroups have caused the majority of IMD in recent years (B, W and Y).1 Healthcare professionals play a critical role in educating patients and helping to protect the community from infectious diseases.
Learning outcomes
• Describe the burden and impact of invasive meningococcal disease
• Discuss the who, what and why of meningococcal vaccines
• Explore appropriate patient communication techniques when making recommendations about meningococcal immunisation
When – Wednesday 21 September, 2022
Time – 7.00pm – 8.45pm
Speakers
Prof. Robert Booy | MBBS (Hons), MD, FRACP, FRCPCH
Professor Robert Booy is an honorary Professor in Paediatrics, University of Sydney and a former Director of the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS). He is a medical graduate of the University of Queensland (1984) and trained in Paediatrics at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Brisbane. Over the past 25 years, Professor Booy has been increasingly recognised as an expert in the respiratory virus field. Supervising many studies addressing the burden and prevention of respiratory diseases including COVID in children and adults in the UK, Australia and among Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. In addition, he has led intervention studies with new vaccines, new vaccine delivery methods and alternate methods for preventing disease and transmission such as antivirals and personal protective equipment.
A/Prof. Charlotte Hespe | MBBS (Hons), DCH (Lon), FRACGP, FAICD, GCUT (UNDA)
Charlotte Hespe is a GP and Practice Owner in Glebe. She also works as Head of GP and Primary Care Research for UNDA. Charlotte is Chair, NSW/ACT Faculty Council RACGP. She has submitted a PhD on Implementation of Best Practice guidelines in the real world of Australian General Practice – using CVD preventive care as the topic for the opportunity to improve.