Background: The ongoing evolution of communicable diseases highlights the urgent need for advanced solutions in public health surveillance and immunisation strategies. Rapid developments in artificial intelligence (AI), data collection, and digital surveillance systems have created unprecedented opportunities to improve disease monitoring, outbreak prediction, and immunisation coverage. However, despite these advancements, immunisation rates have seen declines in certain regions, and gaps in coverage persist among key populations, necessitating innovative approaches to communicable disease control.

Objective: This presentation examines the transformative role of AI and data integration in enhancing communicable disease surveillance and immunisation strategies. The aim is to explore how these technologies can help optimize disease monitoring, accurately forecast outbreaks, and engage underrepresented populations to address critical gaps in vaccine coverage.

Methods/Approach: Leveraging recent case studies and research from both Australian and global contexts, this presentation will analyze practical applications of AI and digital data systems in public health. Specific examples include AI-driven models that assess high-risk groups, real-time data-sharing platforms that enable early outbreak detection, and targeted digital health messaging designed to increase vaccine uptake in underserved communities.

Results/Discussion: Findings indicate that integrating AI with existing health data infrastructure can significantly enhance early warning systems, facilitating proactive responses to emerging diseases. Key insights include the value of predictive algorithms for trend forecasting, mobile health (mHealth) platforms for real-time data dissemination, and personalized health messaging that effectively addresses vaccine hesitancy among priority groups.

Conclusion/Implications: Embracing AI and data-driven solutions in communicable disease control enables more responsive, efficient, and inclusive public health interventions. This approach aligns with the conference theme by demonstrating how innovations in technology can address current challenges in disease control and inform future immunisation practices, ultimately improving public health outcomes on a community and global scale.

Digital technologies can play a crucial role in strengthening public health management of communicable disease risks and outbreaks. In February 2025, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)-positive mosquitoes were detected in Monto, Queensland, where the vaccination coverage was estimated at only 6.2%. This study describes how digital tools were utilised to support timely and effective public health interventions aimed at increasing community awareness and promoting vaccine uptake.

Within one week of notification, in collaboration with a local primary care practice in Monto, Short Message Service (SMS) notifications were sent to approximately 1500 unique phone numbers (covering at least 40% of population) to inform residents about the increased risk of JEV transmission, provide information on mosquito prevention and communicate the availability of JEV vaccination. In parallel, an online survey platform was introduced for community members to indicate their intention to receive vaccination, conduct preliminary eligibility screening and streamline referrals to the primary care practice for vaccination which commenced within two weeks after JEV detection.

To assess the effectiveness of these digital strategies, evaluation tools are used to measure community acceptance and engagement with SMS notifications and the online survey. Changes in vaccination coverage in the community are also measured to assess the impact of the interventions.

This experience highlights the potential of digital technologies to enhance communicable disease control by enabling the rapid and targeted dissemination of health information and improving vaccination coordination in the community. Further evaluation will assess their impact on community awareness, engagement, and vaccine uptake. Public Health Units can explore digital innovations to enhance outreach, optimise resource allocation, and support timely public health interventions.

Introduction
Real-time vaccine safety surveillance is critical for detecting adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) and maintaining public confidence in immunisation programs. Emergency department (ED) triage notes and helpline records offer valuable yet underutilized data sources capturing early patient-reported symptoms. Our study leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) to enable automated detection of AEFI signals from these unstructured clinical narratives.
Methods
We developed an NLP pipeline using active learning strategies to efficiently train models with minimal annotated data. By integrating RoBERTa-based deep learning with guided annotation and data augmentation, we optimized model performance while addressing challenges of diverse terminology and limited training data.
Results
Our model achieved an F1-score of 0.97 with just 1,500 labeled samples, demonstrating the feasibility of developing accurate surveillance with minimal manual effort. The system effectively detects both common and rare AEFI signals across diverse populations and is now implemented in state-wide real-time vaccine safety monitoring, providing timely evidence-based information to support immunisation programs and address vaccine hesitancy.
Conclusion
The integration of advanced NLP techniques and machine learning models into vaccine safety surveillance offers a highly efficient and rapid approach for detecting AEFI signals in real-time. Given the increasing availability of electronic health records (EHRs) and the need to strengthen vaccine safety monitoring, this approach offers a scalable, low-cost solution for active AEFI surveillance. By integrating these technological innovations into practice, we can develop more responsive, data-driven strategies that maintain vaccine confidence through improved safety monitoring.

Pertussis case notifications in Queensland have surged from 930 in 2023 to 14,993 in 2024 and significantly increased the workload of Public Health Units (PHUs). This surge has created a dilemma for PHUs, as maintaining the traditional approach of conducting phone interviews to collect clinical and exposure details, provide health advice, and manage high-risk contacts is both impractical and unsustainable, while scaling back risks further transmission. In response, the Wide Bay Public Health Unit introduced an online survey in August 2024 to streamline case investigation and management. Eligible patients with pertussis receive a Short Message Service (SMS) invitation to complete an online survey covering clinical history, vaccination status, exposure details, and antibiotic use. Automated health advice is provided based on responses. Only high-risk cases and survey non-responders receive phone follow-up. This evaluation aims to assess the survey’s acceptability, impact on staff workload, and potential effects on pertussis control.

The evaluation utilises existing service data, including number of pertussis case notifications, case follow-up records, and survey response data collected between August and December 2024. Data analysis include descriptive statistics and logistic regression where appropriate. Key outcome measures include survey response rates, time to completion, as well as staff workload and follow-up actions for survey responders versus non-responders. The time trend of pertussis case notifications is analysed to evaluate the potential impact of the streamlined workflow on the control of pertussis in the region.

This evaluation provides insights into the feasibility of using online surveys for notifiable disease investigations and managements by PHUs. Findings can inform strategies to optimise case follow-up processes, reduce staff workload, and enhance public health responses.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for resilient and adaptive public health systems and led to the decentralisation of selected public health functions into local public health units in Victoria. As pandemic-scale events are predicted to increase, understanding how local public health units can be prepared and coordinate with jurisdictions after decentralisation is critical.

The Western Public Health Unit in Melbourne, Victoria, initiated a project to enhance pandemic preparedness and response capabilities, through:

· Defining key components of an effective pandemic response.

· Understanding roles and responsibilities for the unit and any intersection/dependencies with other agencies.

· Identifying and addressing capability gaps in the unit’s pandemic preparedness and response functions.

A core component of the needs analysis phase of the project was an exploratory tabletop exercise. Tabletop exercises are an established tool to test systems and processes, however in this instance we used the tool at the formative stage of our project to explore and assess pandemic preparedness and response requirements. Using a hypothetical and unfolding highly pathogenic avian influenza pandemic scenario, 18 participants from various roles within the unit reflecting public health medicine, epidemiology, infection prevention, operations, health promotion, and health protection expertise identified critical pandemic actions, responsibilities and planning assumptions underpinning the response.

The exercise identified over 100 key actions across preparedness, response, and recovery phases of a pandemic. These results inform an example end-to-end pandemic preparedness and response framework that will support validation of assumed externally owned actions, enable an assessment of the unit’s current capability to deliver on locally owned actions, and guide high priority areas for capacity strengthening within the unit to ensure readiness.

This experience shows the utility of a tabletop exercise as a tool to inform pandemic preparedness planning, highlight and bridge capability gaps and strengthen pandemic resilience within complex public health ecosystems.

Background: Shigellosis is a highly infectious diarrhoeal illness transmitted via the faecal-oral route. In Victoria, Australia, public health protocols require exclusion of high-risk workers (HRWs)—food handlers, health/aged care workers, and childcare workers—until two consecutive negative faecal cultures are produced. However, limited evidence supporting this requirement exists, warranting a review of its utility and consistency with national protocols.

Aims: To assess the consistency of Victorian shigellosis exclusion and clearance requirements for HRWs compared to other Australian jurisdictions and evaluate the utility of requiring two consecutive negative clearance samples for return to work among HRWs.

Methods: Victorian public health protocols were reviewed, and exclusion and clearance requirements across Australian jurisdictions were surveyed via OzFoodNet Epidemiologists. Victorian shigellosis surveillance data (2014–2023) were analysed to assess HRW participation in clearance testing, initial clearance specimen results, and the proportion of cases with a subsequent positive sample after an initial negative result. The median duration of the clearance process was calculated.

Results: Among Australian jurisdictions, 7/8 required exclusion for probable cases, but none required clearance testing before returning to work. Victoria is the only jurisdiction mandating two consecutive negative clearance samples for all HRWs with confirmed shigellosis. Of 192 Victorian HRW cases, 72% (n=139) submitted ≥2 samples. Among those submitting ≥1 clearance sample (n=149), 89% (n=132) had an initial negative result. Only 3% (n=4) of those returning an initial negative clearance culture subsequently returned a positive clearance culture. The median clearance duration was 18 days.

Conclusions: While HRW participation in clearance testing was high, the overall yield of this multi-stage process was low, with most cases clearing infection by the initial sample and only 3% returning a positive sample after a negative result. Long clearance durations may have economic and logistical impacts on individuals and workforces. Further work to streamline protocols, including developing nationally consistent advice, would therefore be beneficial.

Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. In Cairns, North Queensland, Wuchopperen Health Service (WHS), an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Health Organisation (ATSICCHO), has provided primary health care for 40 years, including for over 150 RHD patients. Recurrent skin infections, such as impetigo and scabies, are common among children at WHS and are strongly implicated with an increased risk of developing acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
The 'Healthy Skin, Strong Hearts' program was co-designed with local clinic staff and the community to prevent Strep A infections—and consequently ARF and RHD—in First Nations children and families.

Objective
To evaluate the sustainability and acceptability of a community-driven Healthy Skin outreach program.

Methods
This study is a co-designed intervention developed through Working Group meetings with First Nations Health Workers, nurses, Wellbeing workers, and non-Indigenous clinical staff. A multicomponent implementation approach, including supportive activities, will be assessed. WHS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers (AHWs) and nurses lead outreach visits, health education, and environmental support, focusing on early intervention, education, and follow-up for skin infections. In-reach activities ensure culturally appropriate care within the clinic, improve detection and treatment, and address barriers to healthy skin practices. Acceptability data will be collected via questionnaires from both participant-households involved and participating AHWs.
Expected Outcomes
The primary outcome assessed will be the acceptability, cultural safety and sustainability of this approach. Secondary outcomes involve identifying barriers to strengthening Strep A infection prevention and increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in research and implementation.
Findings will contribute to WHS service improvements and innovations in Strep A infection prevention. Successful strategies may inform other settings across regional and remote Australia where Strep A infections and RHD are prevalent. The long-term goal is to establish this approach as standard practice.
Community Permissions: Permission for this service evaluation has been obtained from the Wuchopperen Research Subcommittee and has received ACCHO board approval. Several members of the project team identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and will co-present on the day.

Background
In a Bordetella pertussis epidemic, identifying which cases to prioritise for follow up is challenging. Tasmania supplemented standard processes with a digital survey designed to manage the increased burden of cases and contacts from June 2024. We analysed survey response rates and identification of high-risk contacts using this method to assess its value in outbreak response.
Methods
We describe the integration of digital surveys for pertussis case and contact management from June 2024 to January 2025. Confirmed cases aged >6 months were sent SMS messages containing a factsheet and survey to identify those associated with potential high-risk scenarios, including pregnancy, high risk contacts and high-risk settings; these were then prioritised for individual contact, as were those <6 months, and non-responders <5 years. Those 18+ were contacted as capacity allowed; those aged 5-18 were not further followed-up. We assessed survey response rates, the number of high-risk contacts managed via digital survey compared to all contact tracing methods, and the impact on prophylaxis recommendation and resources.

Results
Of 958 confirmed cases >6 months, 839 received [were sent?] the survey and 444 responded (53%). Survey responses identified 14 cases with potential high-risk contacts and 38 potential high-risk facility exposures. Individual follow-up of these 52 cases identified 25 high-risk contacts, 22 of whom were recommended prophylaxis. Considering all contact tracing methods combined, of 958 cases, 115 high risk contacts were identified, with 85 recommended for prophylaxis. Surveys expedited and focused contract tracing effort, identifying 12% (n=52) of responders requiring priority follow-up, and 88% (n=392) who did not.

Discussion
Digital surveys facilitated timely information dissemination and identifying high-risk scenarios requiring individualised follow up, improving outbreak response efficiency. This approach enhances existing contact tracing when resources are limited. Further effort to understand predictors of responsiveness may help increase response rates.

Background: Many Pacific Islander seasonal workers (SWs) come from regions with a high burden of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), yet there is a lack of understanding of their Australian health experiences. This study explores the lived experiences of SWs and service provider (SP) perspectives, focusing on healthcare interactions and challenges faced in addressing health issues, particularly HBV, other BBVs and sexual health.
Methods: Using a sequential mixed-methods design, we conducted 1) semi-structured interviews with 18 agricultural SWs and 27 SPs during 2023-2024 and 2) surveys related to SW knowledge and SP experience of providing BBV and sexual health care in regional Queensland. This presentation reports on the qualitative arm of the study. Interviews were thematically analysed, with four researchers reaching consensus on key themes.
Results: A complex interplay of factors impacting health and healthcare system navigation and access were described, revealing challenges beyond HBV and other BBVs. There were significant barriers for SWs in accessing general health, BBV and sexual health services, driven by Commonwealth-level system gaps, employment conditions, geographic isolation, inequitable resource distribution, health literacy and cultural factors. Access was often dependent on the goodwill of employers and SPs.
This study highlights the need for targeted interventions such as outreach clinics, culturally appropriate in-language resources, and universal health coverage including for BBV and sexual health services for SWs in regional Australia. These findings offer valuable insights for informing policy and healthcare program design for seasonal workers in Australia.
Conclusion: Seasonal workers have significant unmet healthcare needs and greater political will is required to prioritise equitable healthcare for this population. Working with key stakeholders, our research is developing recommendations to Government on improving access to BBV and sexual health care for seasonal workers in Queensland. This project aligns with National Hepatitis B and National Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infection Research Strategies that identify culturally and linguistically diverse communities as priority populations requiring more effective and equitable support.

Community Controlled Health Organisations (CCHOs) play a vital role in delivering culturally safe and community-driven care. Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) disproportionately impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Since 2024, an integrated ARF/RHD service has been operating at Wuchopperen Health Service in Cairns, Far North Queensland. Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners (AHWs and AHPs) play the primary role in primordial and primary prevention activities, delivering these via outreach and in-reach services. These initiatives include household-level interventions that address home health hardware needs, delivering culturally safe healthy living education, and advocating for governmental agency action. In-reach activities focus on delivering culturally safe practices within the clinic, identifying and overcoming barriers to healthy skin practices and improving detection and treatment of skin infections that likely contribute to ARF risk.

Objective: To conduct a retrospective evaluation of the Wuchopperen ARF/RHD clinical service, assessing activities around primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, service access and engagement, and patient loss to treatment or follow up. Findings will inform targeted quality improvement (QI) interventions.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of key performance indicators will be conducted using data reported to NACCHO. The evaluation will focus on four areas: (1) workforce capacity, (2) primary prevention activities, (3) incidence and prevalence of ARF/RHD, and (4) secondary and tertiary prevention activities. Descriptive statistics will assess clinic engagement rates, loss to treatment, and health outcomes. Identified service gaps will guide future QI initiatives.

Expected Outcomes: Findings will establish a baseline assessment of the ARF and RHD service activities and performance, highlighting strengths and identifying areas for further development. This evaluation will inform Phase 2 of the project, which will implement targeted QI interventions to enhance ARF/RHD care, including primary and primordial prevention activities.

Conclusion: By evaluating services, this study will generate insights to strengthen ARF/RHD care in CCHO-led clinics. Implementing data-driven QI initiatives will enhance patient outcomes, service efficiency, and sustainability in community-driven healthcare models.

Community Permissions: Permission for this service evaluation has been obtained from the Wuchopperen Director of Medical Services and is part of a wider project that has received CCHO board and ethics approval.

Background
Between November 2023 and August 2024, the North-Eastern Public Health Unit (NEPHU) experienced a sharp and prolonged increase in cryptosporidiosis cases, with notifications nearly doubling each month during this period. This surge in cases put additional strain on resources, affecting the timeliness of case interviews and outbreak detection. Cryptosporidiosis is typically spread by swallowing water contaminated with faecal matter containing Cryptosporidium oocysts. Most prior outbreaks in Victoria were linked to aquatic facilities. In response, a streamlined "truncated interview" process, focusing specifically on aquatic facility attendance, was introduced and evaluated.

Methods:On April 12, 2024, a truncated interview was introduced to screen for cryptosporidiosis cases linked to aquatic facility attendance. Data from the Public Health Electronic Surveillance System (PHESS) was used to conduct a time interval analysis to assess the duration between case notification and interview completion, as well as the time from exposure at the aquatic facility to outbreak escalation. A survey was also distributed to public health officers using the truncated interview to capture their experiences and feedback.

Results:Prior to implementation (October 25, 2023 – April 11, 2024), the proportion of cases interviewed within 7 days ranged from 10% to 45%. After the truncated interview was introduced, this increased to 50% to 100%, despite the continued high number of cases. The time between the last case exposure and outbreak escalation decreased from a range of 21 to 39 days to 25 days or fewer. The evaluation survey revealed unanimous satisfaction, with all participants (N=4) agreeing that the truncated interview reduced case completion time, eased the team’s workload, facilitated timely outbreak escalation, improved efficiency, and was easy to use. The interview process reduced interview time by approximately 50%. However, it limited follow-up for cases that did not attend aquatic facilities, potentially reducing public health action in other areas.

Translational Outcomes:Adapting the interview process to fit the epidemiological situation streamlined data collection and improved response times. This approach offers public health benefits by increasing time for identifying common exposure patterns and detecting outbreaks. It will be implemented in the future when a rapid rise in cryptosporidiosis or other conditions is identified.