For individuals with life-threatening insect allergies, venom immunotherapy (VIT) has unique potential to provide long-term protection from ongoing allergic disease risks and associated quality of life burdens. Despite being publicly-funded (PBS listed in Australia) in reliable supply and potentially life-saving, VIT utilization rates per capita appear to vary considerably between different regions of Australia. It is likely that regional variation in VIT utilization rates may reflect variations in disease patterns due to biogeographical, social and occupational factors. However, there is also great interest to understand how local models of care may influence VIT utilization rates.

Currently there is a lack of data to inform this evaluation, which this survey aims to address. It is hoped that analysis of data on VIT practices from this survey and data on VIT utilization (from the supplier Stallergenes Greer) can identify barriers and opportunities for facilitating patient access to VIT in Australia.

This survey has been designed by A/Prof Kymble Spriggs with support from the Stallergenes Greer Medical Department, who will supply complementary data on VIT utilization. Data from the survey will be analysed by A/Prof. Spriggs in collaboration with a panel of clinical experts to develop a public report of the survey outcomes. It is hoped that this report may inform potential future approaches for the management of VIT in Australia, complementing ongoing projects and initiatives supported by ASCIA, the National Allergy Centre of Excellence (NACE) and the National Allergy Council (NAC).

The survey is available at  https://forms.gle/qngTnKEYaPyMb6Vp7 and  closes on Monday 28th August 2023.

Survey results will only be presented in summary form and your name and practice will not be used in any report made available in the public domain. Completion of this form will constitute consent for use of the data provided. 

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact A/Prof. Kymble Spriggs (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 

This news item was issued on 24 July 2023 by Jill Smith, CEO of ASCIA, the peak professional body for clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand.