Doherty Institute

LinKinVax Introduces its Scientific Advisory Board with the Appointment of Three Leading Experts in Immunology and Epidemiology

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
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LinKinVax, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, announces the creation of its Scientific Advisory Board with the appointment of three experts in immunology and epidemiology.

Key Points: 
  • LinKinVax, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, announces the creation of its Scientific Advisory Board with the appointment of three experts in immunology and epidemiology.
  • “We are delighted to welcome Prof. Anna Giuliano, Prof. Sharon Lewin and Prof. Giuseppe Pantaleo to our Scientific Advisory Board.
  • “We are very pleased to have convinced these leading experts to join our scientific committee.
  • Their skills and experience in immunology and epidemiology will help guide and optimise all aspects of our clinical development plans for our DC-targeting vaccine platform.

Pregnant this winter? Here's how to prepare for COVID and get vaccinated

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, April 15, 2023
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Most pregnant women are aware of the recommendations around getting vaccinated against influenza (flu) and pertussis (whooping cough).

Key Points: 
  • Most pregnant women are aware of the recommendations around getting vaccinated against influenza (flu) and pertussis (whooping cough).
  • However, COVID is still relatively new, meaning women who have never been pregnant before may be unaware of the current recommendations and research.

1 in 10 pregnant women are vaccine hesitant

    • We are following more than 6,000 Australian women in the Birth in the Time of COVID-19 study who were pregnant or gave birth during the first two years of the pandemic.
    • We also sent them follow-up surveys at two months, six months, 12 months and 24 months after giving birth.
    • Our latest findings reporting on 2,144 responses to questions on vaccine uptake, published in the journal BMJ Open show around one in ten pregnant women and just over one in 13 postnatal women were hesitant to get a COVID vaccination.

So what does the evidence say?

    • But real-life data shows no evidence of a negative impact on fertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth or other problematic pregnancy outcomes, and no negative impact on newborns or via breastfeeding.
    • We also know most side effects are mild and go away within a couple of days.
    • The baby may have a higher risk of premature birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), stillbirth or admission to the hospital newborn unit.

What do pregnant women need to know now winter is coming?

    • If you are trying to become pregnant, you do not need to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination.
    • For pregnant women, there are special considerations that need to be discussed so informed decisions can be made.
    • Advice from the Department of Health and Aged Care is that if you are pregnant, you should have two COVID vaccine doses (called the primary course).

What if you’re already vaccinated?

    • Recommendations for booster doses if you are pregnant are now the same as for non-pregnant people of the same age.
    • To book a COVID vaccine or booster dose, use the health Service Finder or text “Hey Eva” a callback service for Easy Vaccine Access.