Samantha Carlson

Samantha Carlson is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia (School of Social Sciences) and holds an external position as Senior Research Officer at the Telethon Kids Institute. Her research focuses on vaccination strategies, public health policy, and health equity, particularly among Aboriginal communities. She holds a PhD in Public Health from the University of Sydney, alongside a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Immunobiology and Microbiology.

• Education:
  • PhD in Public Health: University of Sydney (2015)
  • MSc in Public Health: University of Sydney (2011)
  • BSc in Immunobiology and Microbiology: University of Sydney (2009)

Her research interests center on vaccine uptake barriers, pandemic response, and healthcare access for marginalized populations. She has authored over 35 peer-reviewed articles, including studies on vaccine hesitancy among Aboriginal communities and the psychological impacts of vaccination decisions during pregnancy. Key awards include the 2022 President’s Award from the Public Health Association of Australia.

Carlson leads two major grants: 'Improving Childhood Vaccine Uptake in Western Australia' (2024–2026) and 'What happens at two? CDCD' (2022–2024), focused on pediatric immunization programs. She collaborates widely on public policy impacts, such as the review of mandatory vaccination orders during the pandemic.