Prof chris blyth

Professor Blyth is Professor of Paediatric Infectious Diseases (School of Medicine, University of Western Australia) and head of the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases (The Kids Research Institute Australia).

He is an infectious diseases physician at Perth Children's Hospital, establishing the Department of Infectious Diseases and a clinical microbiologist with PathWest Laboratory Medicine. 

Professor Blyth’s research and advocacy has driven changes to immunisation programs in Australia and internationally. Prof Blyth’s research focuses on influenza, RSV, COVID-19, vaccine-preventable respiratory infections, antimicrobial resistance and stewardship.

His PhD (Preventing influenza morbidity in Australian children through vaccination; 2016) evaluated the WA preschool influenza vaccination program, significantly influencing national influenza policy.

As a member of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI 2012-2021; co-chair from 2018-2021), he led Australia’s technical experts informing the national COVID-19 vaccination program. Most recently, his work is directly informing national and international RSV programs.