Priya Alexander

We've seen vaccination rates decline, particularly in childhood...

Yes, the median age, yep.

There's been criticism, to your point, of the Northern Territory health response, the fact that there hasn't been enough communication with the public, enough Aboriginal-led communication so that it's actually available to people in the community, they know what to do if they develop a sore throat, present early, be aware of vaccination as an option.

There has been a lot of criticism.

And look, this is a failure at many levels.

And I think, you know, just a couple of weeks ago, we covered the fact that the World Health Organization had declared trachoma elimination in Australia.

To this, the pendulum swinging completely the other way.

This is a complete failure.

I agree with you.

Yes, surging again.

just a reminder to everybody that diphtheria doses are on the schedule for children they receive multiple doses including one during adolescence but for anyone who is aged 50 it's recommended that you get a booster if you're traveling indonesia thailand india diphtheria is endemic in those countries so in your travel consult you should be asking do i need a booster

So you might need to pay for it.

I think it should be free if anyone's listening who has any clout.

You know, I think that we remove all barriers for people.

But this is a story that must be watched closely.

If you want to hear more about Ebola, we are doing a bonus episode just on that topic where we will do a deep dive and go into much more detail.

That is available in the show notes or on the ABC Listen Out.

Both are everywhere.

The hashtag is everywhere.

They're being marketed for weight management, anti-aging, skin benefits.