Attitudes towards vaccines and intention to vaccinate against COVID-19: a cross-sectional analysis-implications for public health communications in Australia

Objective: To examine SARS-CoV-2 vaccine confidence, attitudes and intentions in Australian adults as part of the iCARE Study. Design and setting: Cross-sectional online survey conducted when free COVID-19 vaccinations first became available in Australia in February 2021. Participants: Total of 1166 Australians from general population aged 18-90 years (mean 52, SD of 19). Main outcome measures: Primary outcome: responses to question 'If a vaccine for COVID-19 were available today, what is the likelihood that you would get vaccinated?'.Secondary outcome: analyses of putative drivers of uptake, including vaccine confidence, socioeconomic status and sources of trust, derived from multiple survey questions. Results: Seventy-eight per cent reported being likely to receive a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Higher SARS-CoV-2 vaccine intentions were associated with: increasing age (OR: 2.01 (95% CI 1.77 to 2.77)), being male (1.37 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.72)), residing in least disadvantaged area quintile (2.27 (95% CI 1.53 to 3.37)) and a self-perceived high risk of getting COVID-19 (1.52 (95% CI 1.08 to 2.14)). However, 72% did not believe they were at a high risk of getting COVID-19. Findings regarding vaccines in general were similar except there were no sex differences. For both the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and vaccines in general, there were no differences in intentions to vaccinate as a function of education level, perceived income level and rurality. Knowing that the vaccine is safe and effective and that getting vaccinated will protect others, trusting the company that made it and vaccination recommended by a doctor were reported to influence a large proportion of the study cohort to uptake the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Seventy-eight per cent reported the intent to continue engaging in virus-protecting behaviours (mask wearing, social distancing, etc) postvaccine. Conclusions: Most Australians are likely to receive a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Key influencing factors identified (eg, knowing vaccine is safe and effective, and doctor's recommendation to get vaccinated) can inform public health messaging to enhance vaccination rate

Guidance on the support needs for adults with spinal cord injury

The Guidance on the support needs of adults with spinal cord injury is a bestpractice tool to assist with making decisions around why assistance from support workers is needed. he guidance was developed using adapted guideline methodology in recognition of the complexity of the topic. Theguidance draws on the knowledge from the limited research evidence available but also the rich first-hand practical and contextual knowledge of the working party experts. In this guidance there is a decision-making framework and overview of the factors to consider,information and resources. For the different levels of spinal cord injury (no motor function below and some motor function below the level of injury), there are tables on estimates for the levels ofsupport and lists of assistive technology. Other sections provide definitions; highlight practical matters to consider; screening tools; an information sheet for the person with a spinal cord injury and their family

Guidance on the support pathway for people with a limb amputation (and trialling a prosthesis)

The support pathway in this guidance relates to the period after amputation and following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation or hospital. The guidance describes the pathway and supports the person may need. The guidance provides recommendations and best practice notes based on all relevant sources of scientific knowledge (experimental and observational research, context, expert and experiential knowledge of those with lived experience of amputation). The topics range from the support pathway facilitators and barriers, to connected health issues, co-occurring health conditions. Resources have been developed or identified to support the use of the guidance and includes information and tip sheets, links to screening tools, information and strategies for both health and rehabilitation professionals and the person with the amputation and their family