AIR Project: Vaccine Uptake in People with Severe Mental Illness

Project Overview: The AIR Project investigates the uptake of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines among individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) in Australia. This research is crucial as people with SMI, such as schizophrenia, are particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes from COVID-19 and influenza due to factors like physical comorbidities and reduced access to healthcare.

Research Aims:

• Compare vaccination rates (1st, 2nd, and booster doses for COVID-19; annual for influenza) between those with and without SMI.
• Assess differences in COVID-19 and influenza-related morbidity and mortality based on vaccination status.
• Examine variations in vaccination uptake across different Australian states and territories.

Key Objectives:

• Determine if people with SMI have lower vaccination rates compared to the general population.
• Investigate if the disparity in vaccination rates is more pronounced for the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
• Analyse the impact of vaccination on hospital admissions and mortality rates among people with SMI.

Expected Outcomes: The findings will inform policies to ensure equitable vaccine delivery, aiming to increase vaccine uptake among people with SMI. This could lead to reduced hospital admissions and mortality rates, ultimately easing the burden on healthcare systems and improving health outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Project Team: The project is led by a multidisciplinary team of experts from The University of Queensland, Griffith University, Curtin University, and the University of Melbourne, with funding from the NHMRC Investigator Grant and the ALIVE National Centre.

Significance: By addressing the vaccination disparities in people with SMI, the AIR Project aims to promote health equity and enhance the overall wellbeing of individuals with severe mental illness.