January 14, 2026Northern Health has been awarded a $50,000 Shepherd Foundation grant to support a groundbreaking project aimed at increasing antenatal vaccination uptake among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
Led by Dr Dorothy Ling (Infectious Diseases Physician and Co-Medical Lead, Infection Prevention & Surveillance) and Barsha Baral (Manager, Infection Prevention Services), the study will explore barriers and enablers to vaccination and evaluate the early impact of Northern Health’s new nurse-led antenatal immunisation clinic. The findings will help guide service improvements and inform best practice models for equitable maternal vaccination.
Dr Ling highlighted why the project is so important, saying,“Pregnant women and their babies are at higher risk from infections like influenza, whooping cough and RSV. Despite vaccines being safe and free, many CALD women miss out due to language, cultural and system barriers. This research will help us understand these challenges and ensure our clinic truly improves access and equity.”
Barsha Baral emphasised the project’s community-focused approach, “This project is about listening to women’s voices and co-designing solutions with community representatives. By identifying what works and what doesn’t, we can make antenatal vaccination easier, culturally safe and responsive to the needs of our diverse population.”
The nurse-led antenatal immunisation clinic, located near the Maternity Assessment Centre, provides free, walk-in vaccinations for influenza, RSV and whooping cough, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm (no appointment required). Interpreting services are also available, ensuring all women can access timely, safe and culturally appropriate care.
For more information, visit Maternal Vaccinations – Australian Government or call (03) 8405 8000 and ask for the Outpatient Immunisation Clinic.
(L-R): Kiranjeet Dhaliwal (Nurse Immuniser), Lisa Stafford (Nurse Immuniser), Barsha Baral (IPS Manager), and Dr Dorothy Ling (IPS/ID Physician).
