The Australian Strep A Vaccine Initiative (ASAVI) is an Australian-led global initiative with the goal of reducing the disease burden caused by Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) infection through effective vaccination.

Strep A bacteria causes pharyngitis (‘strep throat’) and skin sores which, when left untreated, can lead to fatal and debilitating conditions including acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, invasive Strep A diseases such as flesh-eating disease, and toxic shock syndrome. In Australia, Strep A infections disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

ASAVI is co-directed by Professor Jonathan Carapetis at the Telethon Kids Institute in partnership with Professor Andrew Steer at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. ASAVI will play a leading role in the global effort to develop a Strep A vaccine and will work closely with public health organisations, industry and academic partners and the International Strep A Vaccine Consortium (known as SAVAC).