Research area: Infection and Immunity > Vaccine Uptake | Status: Active

Overview

Why do we need the COVID Schools study?

The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute together with the Victorian Department of Health (DH) and the Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET), is conducting a study to increase understanding of coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission in schools and Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services. They expected that the findings from this research will inform the public health response to outbreaks in schools and ECEC services.

Schools and ECEC services are an essential part of society and children’s lives. They provide safe and supportive learning environments for children and students, employ teachers and other staff, and enable parents and guardians to work.

Ultimately, we need more evidence to understand how coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads in schools and ECEC, inform the best way to respond to outbreaks, and ensure that children, students and staff are supported and can continue to learn and thrive in 2021

What is the aim of the study?

The research aims to increase knowledge about key aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission and the public health response, such as the:

• role of young children and students in coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission
• direction of coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission in schools and ECEC services
• impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on school and ECEC communities

This research follows on from a study undertaken by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in 2020 below. it is an analysis of COVID-19 in ECEC and schools and evidence-based recommendations for opening ECEC and schools & keeping them open.

• COVID-19 in Victorian ECEC and Schools report2.71 MB

Information for participants

Who can participate?

We will invite eligible schools and ECEC services to take part in the research. Participation is voluntary. The standard public health response will continue to apply in schools and ECEC services that experience a coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

General health and wellbeing resources

We are mindful of the pressure families are under. If you or your child feel worried or would like further support, we recommend contacting your healthcare provider. There are also many community supports available to you and your family during this time. 

• Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14
• Head to Health - COVID-19 support service
• Supporting your child to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic factsheet - The Royal Children's Hospital
• Kids Helpline - Coronavirus or 1800 55 1800