Going Viral

In this episode, nfectious Diseases Physician Prof Tom Snelling joins host Dr David Lim to unpack Australian research on SMS reminders for vaccination, including the AUTOMATIC trial, and what it means for everyday general practice: Understand why vaccination delays occur despite strong immunisation programs Hear how delayed vaccination affects both individual risk and herd immunity Learn what the AUTOMATIC trial found about SMS reminders for improving vaccination rates Compare neutral versus persuasive SMS reminders and their impact on vaccination uptake Consider how SMS reminders can support vaccination, screening and prevention in general practice Host: Dr David Lim | 33 mins Expert: Prof Tom Snelling, Infectious Diseases Physician

In this episode, Virologist Dr Gary Grohmann looks ahead to how a plug‑and‑play mRNA platform could transform prevention and treatment of respiratory viruses, cancer, and inflammatory conditions shaping the conversations GPs will be having with patients in the years to come: Understand how COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were developed rapidly while maintaining safety and efficacy Learn the true risk of myocarditis and other cardiac events following vaccination compared with COVID-19 infection Explore the impact of misinformation on vaccine confidence and the role of GPs in rebuilding trust Discover emerging applications of mRNA technology in infectious diseases, cancer and other conditions Understand hybrid immunity and why boosters remain important Expert: Dr Gary Grohmann, Virologist

In this episode, GP Dr David Lim and tick-borne disease expert Dr Richard Schloeffel unpacks the real-world assessment and management of tick-borne illness in Australia from acute rickettsial infections and Q fever to complex post-tick bite syndromes and mammalian meat allergy: Clarifies the frontline GP approach to a suspected tick bite Examines Australian tick-borne infections and their differences from overseas conditions Highlights early recognition and treatment with doxycycline Explores common misconceptions and practical approaches to improving diagnosis of tick-borne illness Discusses longer-term consequences after tick bites. Host: Dr David Lim | Total Time: 78 mins Expert: Dr Richard Schloeffel, Clinical Senior Lecturer

In this episode, Virologist and board member of the Immunisation Coalition Dr Gary Grohmann speaks with host Dr David Lim about how to restore confidence in routine vaccines in the post COVID era: How childhood and adult vaccines are developed, tested, and monitored over decades How disinformation on autism, aluminium, thiomersal and “too many vaccines” has eroded confidence Practical ways GPs can explain key vaccine concepts to patients  COVID-19's unintended impact on routine immunisation rates The broader benefits of vaccination Host: Dr David Lim | Total Time: 25 mins Expert: Dr Gary Grohmann, Virologist

In this episode, Virologist Dr Gary Grohmann joins host Dr David Lim to unpack the evolving H5N1 bird flu situation, from wild birds and farm animals to the small but real risk to humans: Clarify the current status of highly pathogenic H5N1 in Australia Why human infection risk remains low, covering receptor biology and transmission patterns Practical guidance for GPs and rural clinicians on assessing patients with animal exposure Explore implications for pets and domestic animals Review preparedness measures, including vaccines, to help GPs reassure patients Host: Dr David Lim | Total Time: 25 mins Expert: Dr Gary Grohmann, Virologist

In this episode, A/Prof Bernard Shiu, Director of the Geelong Long COVID Clinic, speaks with host A/Prof Ralph Audehm about supporting patients with Long COVID when their recovery does not follow the expected path: Understand COVID-19 as a respiratory-acquired multisystem disease Assess and investigate suspected Long COVID in general practice Recognise post-exertional malaise and apply pacing strategies Manage the cardiovascular, autonomic, neurocognitive and mental health impacts Support patients with phenotype-specific, multidisciplinary Long COVID care Host: A/Prof Ralph Audehm | Total Time: 48 mins Expert: A/Prof Bernard Shiu, GP and Director of Banksia Medical Centre, Geelong Long COVID Clinic

In this episode, Epidemiologist Prof Adrian Esterman joins Dr David Lim to unpack the true burden of long COVID in Australia, and the potential long-term implications for patients and the healthcare system: Explore the latest insights into the prevalence and impact of long COVID in Australia Practical approaches to recognising and managing long COVID in everyday practice Understand key challenges, how to support recovery and return to daily activities Learn how long COVID presents in children and its effects on wellbeing and education Discover the GPs role in long COVID prevention and ongoing care Host: Dr David Lim | Total Time: 34 mins Expert: Prof Adrian Esterman, Epidemiologist and Biostatistician

In this episode, Consultant Virologist Dr Gary Grohmann joins host Dr David Lim to unpack the recent Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship and what it means for Australian general practice:  Why Hantavirus is resurfacing and why it matters   Key red flags for Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in returning travellers  Practical prevention advice for patients  How Hantavirus compares with emerging threats and the growing role of antivirals  Host: Dr David Lim | Total Time: 30 mins Expert: Dr Gary Grohmann, Consultant Virologist

In this episode, Specialty Primary Care Physician Dr Peter Lin takes GPs on a tour from ACE2 to cytokine storms, showing how a virus that doesn’t even move by itself can quietly dismantle multiple organ systems and what that means for your highest-risk patients this winter:  Why COVID-19 is more than a respiratory virus   How ACE2 disruption drives organ damage and clotting   The renin–angiotensin system and long COVID complications   Why COVID differs clinically from influenza and RSV   Identifying high-risk patients using viral load and cellular damage   Practical strategies for testing, vaccines and antivirals  Host: Dr David Lim | Total Time: 33 mins Expert: Dr Peter Lin, Specialty Primary Care Physician

Professor Adrian Esterman joins David to unpack the real state of COVID 19 in older Australians why the virus still hits them hardest, why so few are up to date with boosters, and how atypical presentations can derail timely antiviral treatment. This practical, GP focused discussion offers clear, actionable ideas for improving protection in both community and aged care settings ahead of winter. Understand why COVID-19 has become “quieter” overall, yet remains disproportionately deadly in older people, especially those who are frail or living with multiple comorbidities. The discussion unpacks how atypical presentations in older adults can delay diagnosis, closing the narrow five day window for antivirals. Practical steps for GPs working with aged care facilities, including the value of standing outbreak protocols, proactive consent processes, and streamlined access to antiviral therapy. Explores why COVID-19 vaccination and booster uptake in older Australians remains worryingly low, despite strong safety data and clear reductions in mortality. Consultation strategies to address vaccine fatigue and misinformation.   Host: Dr David Lim | Total Time: 42 mins Experts panel: Prof Adrian Esterman, Epidemiologist and Biostatistician

Navigate the latest National Immunisation Program (NIP) changes Understand the multi-factorial drivers of declining vaccination rates and practical, GP-friendly strategies to lift uptake Work through the real-world complexities of overseas vaccination records and catch-up planning Get a concise overview of new and emerging vaccine recommendations Apply Angela’s practical frameworks – especially the HALO principle, to identify missed opportunities, structure vaccine conversations, and confidently discuss funded vs non funded vaccines with patients.    Host: Dr David Lim | Total Time: 45 mins Expert: Angela Newbound, Registered Nurse and Immunisation Education Consultant   Register for our fortnightly FREE WEBCASTS Every second Tuesday | 7:00pm-9:00pm AEDT Click here to register for the next one