No link between MMR and Increased ASD risk – April 26, 2015
Published just days after the Commonwealth Government announced parents who choose not to vaccinate their children “conscientious objectors” will no longer be granted childcare benefits, new research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reveals there is no link between the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and an increased risk of autism…
GP’s incentives will be doubled to vaccinate overdue children – April 24, 2015
The Federal Government plans to double GP incentives to boost flagging vaccination rates among Australian children. In addition, the Government has announced religious exemption will no longer be accepted as a reason not to vaccinate children. These changes follow hot-on-the-heels of the government’s recent refusal to provide family tax benefits to parents claiming “conscientious objection”…
On a wing and a prayer: Little Wings charity helping kids in outlying communities access life-saving, city-based treatments – April 23, 2015
Australian parents of children living with life-threatening or chronic illnesses are under immense pressure to meet their healthcare needs and to ensure they obtain appropriate medical attention. For those living in rural and outback communities, this strain can often be exacerbated by the need to travel long-distances, on a regular basis, to access treatment. This…
Autism linked to pre-eclampsia
A US study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Paediatrics involving more than 1,000 children has revealed the development of autism in children is twice as likely when a mother has experienced pre-eclampsia during birth. Pre-eclampsia – a condition that only occurs in pregnancy – is typically characterised by high blood pressure…
Team VIVA! turns pink to raise funds for women’s cancer research – November 12, 2014
On October 26, 2014 Adore Yoga, a local yoga studio in Mosman near VIVA! Communications’ office, organised a very special yoga class to raise money for women’s cancer research. VIVA! donated to the cause and supported Adore Yoga’s second Pink Yoga event with a team in pink. The region’s largest yoga class saw Team VIVA!…
Aussie cricket legend says healthy ageing is everyone’s business
Former Australian Test Cricketer, VFL/AFL footballer, author and commentator, Max Walker, AM, joined public health experts at the ‘Equity in disease prevention: vaccines for the elderly workshop,’ held in Melbourne today (Friday, June 20), to tackle the monumental health challenges facing our greying nation. Innovative, effective and long-term approaches to elderly immunisation were proposed to…
Public health specialists stand by for disasters
A flying squad of public health specialists has been officially launched in Melbourne, bringing together Australia’s best experts who can rush to emergencies and disasters around the country and the world to stop the spread of infectious disease. The group of specialist epidemiologists has already shown its value, with several experts sent to respond to…
I hear the train a’comin – VIVA! Communications’ training day
“It’s all about the training. You can do a lot if you’re properly trained.” Queen Elizabeth II Last week, team VIVA! was escorted to the beautiful Middle Harbour foreshore for an invaluable training day. Each consultant had the opportunity to engage, interact and share key learnings to ultimately hone VIVA!s delivery of innovative, creative, effective…
New AMA President elected – May 27, 2014
A/Prof Owler has replaced former AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, whose three-year tenure has ceased. According to A/Prof Owler, one of his first priorities will be to enter into discussions with the Government regarding the AMA’s concerns about patient co-payments and other health-related budget decisions, including public hospital costs, Indigenous health funding and a range…
Abbott government’s National Commission of Audit proposes substantial health cuts and mergers
The Abbott government’s National Commission of Audit report released on Thursday, May 1, 2014 proposes a series of public sector cuts, including the abolition and merger of pivotal health agencies. The Commission, appointed in October 2013 to review government functions and performance, is chaired by former Liberal Senator, Amanda Vanstone and the ex-heads of Finance…