Category: News
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Updated Medical Recommendations
We would like to let you know that new medical recommendations have been reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee of experts from a range of fields. You can now find those recommendations on our website, and we encourage you to read them using the links below. Key Updates Adult Recommendations Paediatric Recommendations – Pneumococcal vaccine in…
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Big News for Little Spleens
Big News for Little Spleens: New Pneumococcal Vaccine Guidelines for Kids Starting 1 September 2025, Australia’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) has introduced updated guidelines for protecting children against pneumococcal disease – a serious infection that can affect the lungs, blood, and brain. This new vaccine is called Prevenar 20®. It is fully funded under the…
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Measles Risk
Recent Sepsis Case Highlights Measles Risk – Protect Yourself with Vaccination You may have seen increasing rates of measles reported in the community with outbreaks more commonly identified. There has specifically been a patient with asplenia admitted to hospital with sepsis symptoms related to measles. Measles is a highly contagious disease, spread by droplets when an…
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Vale Penelope Jones
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Penny Jones, Spleen Australia Manager. Penny, alongside Prof Denis Spelman, founded Spleen Australia in 2003, after identifying an urgent need to reduce the chances of infection in patients without a functioning spleen. “The clinical insights and expertise of Prof Spelman instigated Spleen Australia, but it is Penny…
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Spleen Australia celebrates 20 years
Spleen Australia recognised two decades of work today with Daryl Braithwaite and Brian Nankervis coming along to The Alfred to help mark the occasion. Speaking at the event, Department of Infectious Diseases Director Anton Peleg acknowledged the success of the clinical service. “Thank you to everyone who has been a part of Spleen Australia. It’s growing every…
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Spleen Australia: Our Story
Sharon Willems, our very talented nurse co-ordinator, has recently had an article published in the July 2023 issue of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal (ANMJ). The article describes the history of Spleen Australia, and states why this clinical service is so essential for our vulnerable patient population. These patients have a lifelong increased risk…
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Spleen Australia welcomes Western Australia
L to R: Dr Clare Huppatz; Sanchita Gera; Penny Jones; Sam Gibbings; Sharon O’Brien Penny Jones and Sharon O’Brien in June 2023 travelled to Western Australia to introduce Spleen Australia’s clinical service to WA health professionals and patients. Penny and Sharon presented at the Communicable Diseases & Immunisation Conference (CDIC). They gave numerous presentations to…
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House of Wellness – Spleen Australia
Penelope Jones, manager of Spleen Australia, has been featured in a channel 7+ episode of The House of Wellness. The episode explains the importance of the spleen in fighting bacterial infections. Penny and her nursing team are committed to reducing the risk of life-threatening infections in people without a functioning spleen. The clinical service/registry is…