Australian and New Zealand journal of public health
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Universal hepatitis B immunisation of young adolescents was included in the Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule in 1998. However, rates of immunisation among adolescents world-wide have often been inadequate. Australia's experience in this area is no exception, particularly in States where school-based delivery is not carried out. ⋯ However, it is important to recognise that both certification and mandatory immunisation legislation have inherent difficulties. In this paper, we argue that legislation for high school immunisation certification, as part of a multi-faceted vaccine delivery strategy tailored to adolescents, is required to achieve the uptake that will lead to interruption of transmission of the hepatitis B virus in Australia. Not only will it substantially reduce incident cases of hepatitis B for the next decade, it will also provide a framework for the successful introduction of future adolescent vaccine initiatives in Australia.
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Aust N Z J Public Health · Jun 2001
An economic evaluation of universal infant vaccination against hepatitis B virus using a combination vaccine (Hib-HepB): a decision analytic approach to cost effectiveness.
To evaluate the health impact and cost effectiveness of two infant vaccination strategies for protection against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the Australian population. Vaccinating only high-risk infants, assuming 65% compliance, was compared with universal vaccination of infants using a combination Hib-HepB vaccine, with 87.4% compliance. ⋯ There is no socially accepted threshold value for cost per life year gained to guide decisions about funding Australian health care interventions. Nevertheless, based on these results, universal hepatitis B vaccination of Australian infants using a combination Hib-HepB vaccine would almost certainly be regarded as a worthwhile investment of public funds.
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Aust N Z J Public Health · Aug 2000
A workforce survey of health promotion education and training needs in the state of Victoria.
This study investigates the education and training needs of health professionals and factors affecting participation in education and training. ⋯ Further development of the health promotion workforce will require recognition of its professional diversity and a more responsive and organised approach to education and training programs.
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Aust N Z J Public Health · Apr 2000
Parental use of a paediatric emergency department as an ambulatory care service.
This qualitative study explored the parental attitudes, perceptions and beliefs that play a role in the use of a tertiary paediatric emergency department (PED) when a child has a non-urgent illness. ⋯ A clearer understanding by health professionals of the factors influencing parental choice will promote more effective collaboration with parents and ultimately assist in the decision on the best management option for sick children.
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Aust N Z J Public Health · Feb 2000
The emperor's quality clothes: for goodness' sake, let's take the strain off the word quality!
Quality is a much used word in health care. It clearly has positive connotations. ⋯ It then argues that it follows that quality cannot be defined before we have sorted out 'good' and 'better'. The author appeals for these terms to be defined.