Researchers in this group focus on pandemic preparedness and appropriate responses to communicable disease risks.
The approach adopted in addressing these risks involve the testing and evaluation of surveillance strategies, conducting appropriate epidemiological research and translating research evidence into the routine service delivery practice of a range of organisations including immunisation providers, Aboriginal medical services, agricultural organisations, and clinical services.
Now in its 10th year Flutracking.net, the largest online influenza-like illness surveillance system of its kind in the world, is designed to alert health officials to epidemic outbreaks of the potentially life-threatening disease. Australian residents are asked to complete a 10-second weekly online survey about whether they are experiencing flu-like symptoms allowing health professionals to see where flu is hitting hardest and gauge its severity.
