Kristy O’Brien
ABC News
05/13/2010
A world-first vaccine trial that could prevent Aboriginal children from suffering chronic ear disease is being assessed by Northern Territory researchers.
Two out of every three Aboriginal children are currently suffering ear infections that lead to impaired hearing or deafness.
The Menzies School of Health Research is testing a pneumococcal vaccine that can pass antibodies from the mother to the baby through the womb and through breast milk.
Associate Professor Ross Andrews says more than 200 expectant mothers are taking part in the vaccine trial.
“This is a really groundbreaking piece of work in Australia and I think what it shows is that clinical trials of this sort involving pregnant woman can be done,” he said.
He says early results have shown promise that the vaccine could ultimately protect infants during their first critical months of life when the threat is greatest.