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Covid-19 Vaccination Statement
Based on advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), the Department of Health recently announced that some children between 12 to 15 years old are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
Diabetes is specifically listed as an eligible medical condition. Therefore children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes from 12 to 15 years old are now eligible to receive the 2 dose Pfizer vaccine.
The Diabetes Service at Perth Children’s Hospital supports ATAGI’s recommendation, and suggests children with diabetes from 12 years of age be vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccine is not available for children under 12 years.
We understand there may be many questions from parents and children so we’ve put together answers to the questions we have already received, and some we anticipate.
Dexcom G6 Update
The Dexcom G6 Early Access Program has so far been a huge success! The program commenced in May, and offered early access to the Dexcom G6 system for eligible patients. We have completed recruitment for these families and continue to provide G6 access for patients newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Omnipod DASH is in Australia
You may have heard that Insulet is releasing the Omnipod DASH system in Australia from this month. It has generated a lot of interest in our clinic due to the unique nature of a tubeless device. The DASH consists of a tubeless “pod” pump which pairs with a touchscreen Bluetooth® enabled controller.
Congrats Mark Shah!
PCH Diabetes Nurse Practitioner, Mark Shah, has been awarded both the Western Australian and Australian Credential Diabetes Educator (CDE) of the Year awards for 2021.
Health Hackathon
Congratulations to PCH Diabetes who were selected to take part in the WA Health Hackathon Week 2021. The team spent the week designing an easy-to-use patient portal prototype.
Camp is Back
The annual PCH and Diabetes WA camp for 9 and 10 years olds living with T1D is just around the corner. Thirty six lucky children will attend this year's camp at the Swan Valley Adventure Centre these school holidays. This year's theme is Witches and Wizards. We hope it's a lot of fun!
Study Needs You!
Keep an eye out for our friendly team of researchers who will be visiting clinic to discuss diabetes research studies with families. They are looking for participants to join our studies and always love to hear your suggestions.
Family Fun for QVQ Study
Meet Imogene, one of our first participants to join the QVQ nutrition study for children. When the 10-year-old came into PCH for her appointment, so did her support team; little sister Lucy, mum Emma, grandma and great grandma. Emma said the study is a great way to learn more about the nutritional value of what Imogene eats.
Water Activity Study
Recruits are needed to help us learn more about the effect of water-based activities on blood glucose levels and how people with type 1 diabetes manage it. If you have, or care for someone with, T1D and have visited the beach or a pool at least twice in the past 12 months, our researchers need your help by participating in an online survey.
Elite Athletes Study
We are looking for athletes competing at a state, national or international level with type 1 diabetes. Researchers at Curtin University and Telethon Kids Institute are running a study to identify common strategies used by athletes with T1D to successfully manage their condition alongside exercise.
Sports Coaching Study
Our researchers are developing resources to upskill coaches on type 1 diabetes so they can better support players. We need young people (8-21 years) with type 1 diabetes or their parents, and sports coaches to participate in an online interview to help us develop the resources.
Looking at the Big Picture
Our Head of Nutrition Research, Dr Amelia Harray, is featured in this month's Medical Forum magazine. She discusses looking at the big picture for good nutrition in children with type 1 diabetes. Click here to read the article.
Tune in to Liz Online
It's almost October, which means the JDRF One Walk Step Challenge is back. Our co-director Professor Liz Davis will be one of the T1D researchers to take over the JDRF Australia Instagram page during the challenge and share her story. To watch live, go to www.instagram.com/jdrfaus on Wednesday, 20 October at 3pm WST.
What's Really in the Snack?
Looking for quick and easy snack ideas for your child? Before you head to the baby and toddler food section of the supermarket, our Head of Nutrition Research, Dr Amelia Harray, breaks down some common toddler snacks that aren't as healthy as they're made out to be and gives some alternative ideas. Watch the video above.
