The Applied Epidemiology of Influenza and other Infectious Diseases in Victoria

Abstract

This volume presents projects I have completed across the competency areas required to fulfil the MAE, as well as additional population health experiences. I have undertaken this work through my field placement at the WHO CCRRI and honorary appointment as a Public Health Officer in the Communicable Diseases section of the Health Protection Branch at the Victorian Department of Health.

These projects encompass: an epidemiological study of the re-emergence of influenza in Victoria after its prolonged absence during the period when stringent international travel restrictions were in place to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2; a response to an influenza outbreak in a residential aged care facility; a simulated poliovirus outbreak response to a laboratory containment leak that was conducted by the World Health Organization Western Pacific Regional Office, to maintain response capability within the region; a data analysis of the number of hospitalisations and emergency department attendances averted by influenza vaccination in Victoria from 2017-2019; and a data linkage evaluation of the surveillance of intensive care unit admissions for patients testing positive to COVID-19 in Victoria.

The final chapter demonstrates my satisfaction of the teaching field epidemiology competency, via the Lessons from the Field session that I presented on coding in the R statistical program and via the Teaching First Year Scholars group exercise on data analysis plans that I delivered with my colleagues. The final chapter also describes additional population health experiences I have obtained throughout the course of the MAE.