World Allergy Week 2026

29th June, 2026

Do you know someone with an allergy? Chances are you do – the Australian National Health Survey in 2022 found 24% of respondents self-reported allergic rhinitis (commonly referred to as hay fever), 7% reported food allergy, and 5% reported medication (drug) allergy. (1) Other common allergic diseases include asthma, eczema, eosinophilic oesophagitis, and insect allergy.

Severity of allergic reactions vary widely, with the most severe being anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening. Sadly, although preventable and rare, deaths from food anaphylaxis are still occurring, usually in adolescents and young adults. (2) We don't know the exact impact of anaphylaxis in Australia, with Victoria being the only Australian jurisdiction where anaphylaxis presenting to hospitals is a notifiable health condition. (3) Until there is a consistent national approach to this, ongoing preventable deaths are likely.

At St Vincent’s, we are leading the way in finding new approaches to reducing or removing this risk. We are the leading Australian adult site for internationally sponsored clinical trials in treating peanut and multi-food anaphylaxis. If you want to find out more about our currently recruiting studies, please email PeanutAllergy@svha.org.au. Our early, investigator-led, effort at peanut oral immunotherapy in adults was published last year. (4)

In older Australians, medication is the leading identifiable cause of anaphylaxis. At the same time, medication allergy labels, particularly antibiotic allergy labels (e.g. penicillin allergy) are frequently inaccurate. People who are admitted to hospital with a penicillin allergy label are at higher risk of developing multidrug-resistant infections, complications such as antibiotic-associated colitis, and longer, more complicated hospital stays. (5) At St Vincent’s, Immunology & Allergy specialists can assess your medication allergy status and advise on whether it is truly necessary to avoid them due to allergy.

Other allergic diseases like rhinitis and eczema can have significant impact on patient's well-being, sleep, mood and engagement with work and education (6). This significance of this impact is often dismissed, and treatment can sometimes be complex. Treatment for these diseases range from symptom treatment as needed, to medications that address the bodies response to particular allergens or the bodies allergic response overall. Our Immunology and Allergy specialists can guide you through these treatment options and what is best for you. Ask your GP to refer you.

Other recommended resources:

https://www.allergy.org.au/

https://allergyfacts.org.au/

https://www.nace.org.au/tools-resources/allergy-studies-directory/

We conducted an uncontrolled clinical trial examining the effect of a combination of monoclonal antibody treatment (Omalizumab) and oral peanut intake on reducing the IgE mediated allergic reaction in adults with peanut allergy. Check out the findings in the video below!

About the authors: A/Prof Winnie Tong is an immunologist with a passion for allergic disease. A/Prof Tong has a PhD background and co-ordinates allergy research at both St Vincent’s Clinic and at St Vincent Hospital. In addition, A/Prof Tong is a critical part of St Vincent's Clinic governance through her position as Chair on the Medical Council. Dr Jacqueline Loprete is a Clinical Immunologist and Allergist, with particular interest in the management of adults with allergic disorders. In addition to her clinical work, Dr Loprete also conducts research in adult drug and food allergy across the St Vincent's campus.

Reference List: 
(1) Wang et al. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cea.70288

(2) https://allergyfacts.org.au/coronial-inquiries/

(3) https://www.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/anaphylaxis-notifications

(4) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cea.70114

(5) https://theconversation.com/do-you-think-you-have-a-penicillin-allergy-you-might-be-wrong-212874
(6) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5073477/