GSK Adult Immunisation Grants 2013

Four projects set to increase adult immunisation rates across Australia have received funding through the GSK 2013 Adult Immunisation Grants. The funding will help recipients implement their projects in their local community. The winners were announced at the National Primary Health Care Conference on the Gold Coast.

The winning applicants identified a need in their local community and submitted a proposal to help raise immunisation rates amongst “at risk” populations. The projects cover expectant or new parents and family members, travellers visiting friends and relatives, Korean migrants and local homeless populations. Each winner showcased innovative and creative thinking via their submission. They each received $20,000 to help implement their proposed adult immunisation project in 2014.

The four winning grants in each category were:

• Rozelle Total Health (General Practice category);
• Tasmania Medicare Local (Medicare Local, General Practice Network or Division of General Practice category);
• Korean Australian Medical Society (Council/Local Authority, Hospital or Community Organisation category) and;
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) Northgate (Indigenous Health category).

The grant recipients were selected by an independent panel of judges as part of GSK’s ongoing commitment to improving adult health in Australia. Dr Peter Eizenberg, Melbourne GP and Chair of the Grants judging panel, says that the caliber of applications was extremely strong this year and all of them targeted “at risk” populations who need the most help.

“It’s been terrific to see the range and depth of the applications this year. Adult Immunisation is an area of very great need and awareness of this need is low. You’ve got people feeling that they are comfortable and safe when they are truly exposed to high risk. Often people think vaccinations are associated with childhood but we need to remember that adults are also exposed,” commented Professor Eizenberg.

“Each of the winning projects has great potential to improve adult immunisation. We have selected the projects that we believe are the most innovative and likely to meet their objectives,” said Dr Eizenberg.

According to GSK Medical Director Dr Andrew Yeates, “GSK is committed to supporting adult immunisation in Australia. The GSK Adult Immunisation Grants program is just one example of this. These grassroots projects will make a real difference to the overall health of these local communities and GSK looks forward to seeing the results.”

The GSK Adult Immunisation Grants program has been developed to support adult immunisation in Australia. Visit www.immunisationawards.gsk.com.au for more information.

For more information and/or to speak with a judging panel member or 2013 grant recipient contact: