Dr Sam Mehr

13/01/2022

We have been informed today by AMSL, who are the Australian distributors for Alutek and Alxoid immunotherapy injections, to expect up to a 2-3 week delay on any immunotherapy orders. This is due to the current impact of COVID on staffing and thus distribution. If you have only half a vial left, we would recommend to place an order now, to ensure you have enough stock.

We have been informed today by AMSL, who are the Australian distributors for Alutek and Alxoid immunotherapy injections, to expect up to a 2-3 week delay on any immunotherapy orders. This is due to the current impact of COVID on staffing and thus distribution. If you have only half a vial left, we w...

13/01/2022

There have been a number of enquiries from parents as to whether children with asthma, eczema, hayfever, and/or food/insect allergies can have the mRNA COVID vaccines (Pfizer for children 5 years+; Moderna for children 12 years+). The Australasian Society of Allergy and Immunology have a great question and answer web-link to address concerns parents may have (see this: There is no evidence that people with allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), food allergy or insect sting allergy are at any greater risk of an allergic reaction to the mRNA COVID vaccines compared to the general population. No special precautions are required in such individuals, even those who carry an adrenaline auto-injector for their food or insect allergy.

There have been a number of enquiries from parents as to whether children with asthma, eczema, hayfever, and/or food/insect allergies can have the mRNA COVID vaccines (Pfizer for children 5 years+; Moderna for children 12 years+). The Australasian Society of Allergy and Immunology have a great quest...

13/01/2022

There have been a number of enquiries from parents, as to whether the Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations can be given to children who have pre-existing asthma, eczema, hayfever, insect allergies and/or food allergies. The Australian Society of Clinical Allergy and Immunology have an information, and recently updated question/answer weblink to address a number of concerns parents may have ( Both the Pfizer (aged 5 years+) or Moderna (aged 12 years+) are safe to administer in children with preexisting allergic conditions such as asthma, hayfever, food allergy or insect sting allergy....

There have been a number of enquiries from parents, as to whether the Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations can be given to children who have pre-existing asthma, eczema, hayfever, insect allergies and/or food allergies. The Australian Society of Clinical Allergy and Immunology have an information, and rec...

12/04/2020

Some parents have been concerned whether they should continue their allergy shots (i.e allergen immunotherapy for hayfever and/or asthma) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below is some information that may help, but remember it is very important speak to your Allergist if your are concerned. Will the i...

11/04/2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacies can deliver medicines prescribed by your doctor to your home to those with/suspected COVID-19 or vulnerable individuals. This is called the Home Medicine Service, and commenced on the 16th of March 202. It will be available only for 6 months. Who is this avai...

08/04/2020

Influenza vaccines are now available, and I encourage everyone to get their shot, particularly in the current climate. Influenza is very contagious, with the peak number of cases in Australia usually occurring between July to September (see the graph below). Influenza can be particularly serious for...

04/05/2019

Our findings on the mechanism of FPIES were published today in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology ( We found those children having an acute FPIES reaction, there was activation of the innate immune system (this is the part of the immune system normally provides us with rapid defense against pathogens; but in this case, is causing a rapid reaction against a food protein). [ 70 more words ]

Our findings on the mechanism of FPIES were published today in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(19)30605-0/abstract). We found those children having an acute FPIES reaction, there was activation of the innate immune system (this is the par...

27/12/2018

We recently published a study on FPIES in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in Practice ( This was conducted at the Children's Hospital Westmead, Sydney, and we compared the clinical and laboratory features of FPIES with two conditions it is frequently misdiagnosed as - sepsis and gastroenteritis. The main findings were infants with FPIES were more likely to present without fever but with lethargy, floppiness, pallor and more likely to recover quickly. [ 64 more words ]

We recently published a study on FPIES in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in Practice (https://www.jaci-inpractice.org/article/S2213-2198(18)30677-9/abstract). This was conducted at the Children’s Hospital Westmead, Sydney, and we compared the clinical and laboratory features of FPI...

28/05/2018

The management of anaphylaxis is intramuscular adrenaline. The dose required for anaphylaxis is calculated based on the formula = 0.01 mL or mg of a 1:1000 dilution of adrenaline per kg of the patient (maximum dose = 0.5 mg = 500 mcg). Adrenaline auto-injectors allow for the management of anaphylaxis in community settings, and the amount of adrenaline delivered is based upon a pre-fixed dose within the pen. [ 158 more words ]

The management of anaphylaxis is intramuscular adrenaline. The dose required for anaphylaxis is calculated based on the formula = 0.01 mL or mg of a 1:1000 dilution of adrenaline per kg of the patient (maximum dose = 0.5 mg = 500 mcg). Adrenaline auto-injectors allow for the management of anaphylaxi...

19/05/2018

A peanut oral immunotherapy trial is being conducted at the Children's Hospital at Westmead. Here is what you need to know: This is an NHMRC government funded study The trial is open to children with a peanut allergy between the ages of 10-14 years of age The main aim is to determine whether the addition of peanut with a fibre supplement developed by the CSIRO can induce a state of sustained tolerance in children with peanut allergy… [ 114 more words ]

A peanut oral immunotherapy trial is being conducted at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Here is what you need to know: This is an NHMRC government funded study The trial is open to children with a peanut allergy between the ages of 10-14 years of age The main aim is to determine whether the a...

18/05/2018

There is another shortage of a specialised formula. The notice below was sent by the company. If your child is on Novalac Allergy infant and you have run out/about to run out, then it is important you speak with your Allergist to discuss other formula options that would be best suited to your child's needs. On behalf of Bayer Australia Ltd (Bayer), I wish to advise that due to an unprecedented demand we are experiencing a temporary shortage of Novalac Allergy infant formula. [ 199 more words ]

There is another shortage of a specialised formula. The notice below was sent by the company. If your child is on Novalac Allergy infant and you have run out/about to run out, then it is important you speak with your Allergist to discuss other formula options that would be best suited to your child....

05/05/2018

The Centre for Food Allergy Research (CFAR) is holding a public forum to discuss oral immunotherapy - what is it? does it lead to a cure? what are the risks involved? why is this being offered in a number of other countries but not in Australia? The panel consists of researchers in the area of oral immunotherapy, clinicians, and families who have travelled overseas to perform oral immunotherapy. For more information go to this link:

The Centre for Food Allergy Research (CFAR) is holding a public forum to discuss oral immunotherapy – what is it? does it lead to a cure? what are the risks involved? why is this being offered in a number of other countries but not in Australia? The panel consists of researchers in the area of[......