Compass Kids Clinic

03/10/2026

We are delighted to welcome Dr Chi Chimbare into our team.
Dr Chi Chimbare, FRACP, is a Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in paediatric allergy and immunology. Her experience includes working in paediatric allergy at Paediatrics Ballarat, where she developed further experience caring for children with food allergy, eczema, asthma and allergic rhinitis.
She enjoys working closely with children and their families to provide thoughtful, practical and individualised care. Dr Chi is completing a Master of Allergy and is passionate about helping families feel informed, supported and confident in managing their child’s health.
Appointments for Dr Chi are available and a referral is required.

21/08/2026

Why Green Space Matters for Children’s Allergies & Asthma

New international guidelines highlight something profoundly important and yet so simple: access to green space helps protect children from developing allergies and asthma.

Growing up around trees, parks, and biodiverse natural environments supports healthier immune development. Children who spend time in nature are exposed to a wider range of harmless microbes and this diversity helps the immune system learn, adapt, and stay healthily modulated.

In contrast, highly built‑up urban areas with limited vegetation are linked to higher rates of asthma and more allergic sensitization. This is aggravated by poorer air quality and increased exposure to pollution and heat.

Green space isn’t just “nice to have”. It is a protective factor for children’s long‑term respiratory and allergy health.

At our clinic, we see this every day: children who have regular outdoor time often show better health outcomes.

Small changes help
- regular park visits, particular where there is biodiversity
- nature‑based play
- planting trees or shrubs around the home
- choosing childcare or schools with outdoor green areas

Supporting green space in our communities is supporting children’s health.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/all.70182?msockid=0c8cd28a3bae61df0b0fc64d3a4360ae

22/07/2026

Could Variety Be the Secret Ingredient for Allergy Prevention?

A major European allergy research review found that babies who are introduced to a wider variety of foods during infancy may be less likely to develop food allergies, eczema, asthma, and allergic sensitization later in childhood.
Researchers believe food variety may help by:
* Supporting a healthy gut microbiome
* Providing a broader range of nutrients that support immune health
* Helping the immune system learn to tolerate different foods rather than react to them

The strongest evidence was seen for food allergy prevention, with several studies showing that children who ate a more diverse range of foods in their first year had lower rates of food allergy later on.

💡 What this means for parents:
• Offer a variety of age-appropriate foods once your baby starts solids.
• Include foods from different food groups.
• Don't unnecessarily restrict foods unless advised by an allergy healthcare professional.

Bottom line: For most babies, a varied diet may help support healthy immune development—and could play a role in reducing allergy risk. 🌱👶💚

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/all.14051

28/06/2026

We love this new app from Nip Allergies in the Bub! This is a wonderful way to track your baby’s expanding diet and reduce the chance of food allergies

The NEW National Allergy Council’s Nip allergies in the Bub online Food Follower App is here to help parents and carers introduce the common allergy causing foods into their baby's diet 🎉

The FREE Food Follower App provides:
✨ Tips, food ideas and recipes to help introduce the common allergy causing foods
📊 Tracking tools to monitor which common allergy causing foods have been introduced
⏰ Reminders to keep offering the common allergy causing foods once introduced

Register now: https://loom.ly/xqUC8To

To learn more, read our news article: https://loom.ly/whtu9Cg

The National Allergy Council, a partnership between the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) and Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, receives funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

11/06/2026

Update for patients receiving Diater/Ferrer allergy immunotherapy

Compass Immunology is continuing to experience significant supply delays with some Diater / Ferrer allergy immunotherapy products.
We understand this is frustrating for patients, especially those waiting to start or continue treatment. These delays are occurring at the supplier and manufacturing level and are outside Compass Immunology’s control.
Our clinical team is reviewing affected patients and, where appropriate, may recommend transitioning to an alternative immunotherapy product. Some patients may be offered a telehealth review with their treating clinician to discuss the safest and most suitable option.
Patients who are close to completing their current treatment course may not need to change products, depending on their individual circumstances.
At this stage, we are not routinely commencing new Diater / Ferrer treatment programs unless specifically recommended by the treating clinician.
Affected patients will be contacted directly if a review or treatment change is required.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work through this supplier issue.

26/05/2026

Allergic disease is considered one of the fastest-growing chronic diseases in Australia, and rates are continuing to rise 🤯 Australian children have some of the highest rates of food allergy worldwide, with around 1 in 10 infants developing a food allergy.

Shocked by these statistics? Us too. Read up on the latest in allergy advice on Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia's website: https://loom.ly/nlWNMF0

22/05/2026

Join us for a special FREE webinar, First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis.

Our allergy educator Kathryn Rigopoulos will present on anaphylaxis first aid in a community setting, including the importance of correct positioning and an update on the adrenaline devices currently available (and coming soon!) in Australia. She’ll also introduce the updated 2026 ASCIA Action Plan.

This will be followed by a live Q&A session taking general questions 🙋‍♀️

Register here: https://loom.ly/HRwwb9E

15/05/2026

Help improve access to eczema treatment for children
If your child has eczema, you know it’s more than just a skin condition. It’s the disrupted sleep and constant itching.
The flare-ups that happen even when you’re doing everything right.
The impact on school, play, confidence — and the whole family.
Right now, there is an important opportunity to help change this.
The Australian PBAC is reviewing dupilumab (Dupixent) for PBS listing for children aged 6 months to 11 years with moderate to severe eczema.
They are asking for real experiences from parents and carers — and your voice matters.

Why this is important
Your story helps decision-makers understand:

What daily life with eczema is really like
How much it affects sleep, wellbeing and family life
The limitations of current treatments
Why access to better options matters

Even a short response can make a meaningful difference.

Have your say here
🔗 https://ohta-consultations.health.gov.au/ohta/pbac-july-2026/

Takes about 10 minutes
You don’t need medical language — just your experience

Find and participate in consultations run by the Office of Health Technology

04/05/2026

Choosing allergy care for your child? Here are a few quick checks before you book “allergy testing”.

Who’s the clinician? Look for Specialist Immunologists (FRACP) or GP Allergists with formal postgraduate allergy training working collaboratively with Immunologists.

Beware big food panels. They can create false positives—meaning unnecessary food avoidance (and stress at mealtimes).
Validated tests only: skin prick testing, specific IgE blood tests, and supervised challenges when appropriate.

Results should be explained in plain language and matched to your child’s symptoms—not just a number.

Challenges matter. Supervised food/drug challenges are the gold standard to confirm—or safely clear—an allergy.
ASCIA-aligned care helps ensure best-practice action plans and safe pathways.

Whole-family support should include feeding/nutrition advice and eczema/asthma optimization.

If you’re not getting clear answers, it’s okay to seek a second opinion. The right diagnosis and plan can make everyday life safer and less stressful.

09/04/2026

Many parents ask whether their child with an egg allergy can safely receive the FluMist nasal spray.
The good news is: yes, they can.

According to ASCIA (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy), FluMist contains extremely small amounts of egg protein, and studies show it is safe for people with egg allergy, including those with a history of reactions.

A few key points for reassurance:

• FluMist has been safely given to thousands of children with egg allergy
• No special precautions are needed beyond standard vaccination practice
• Children with egg allergy do not need to be referred to a specialist for FluMist
• Vaccination can be given in the usual GP clinic setting

If your child has an egg allergy and is due for their flu vaccine, FluMist remains a safe and effective option.

You can read the full ASCIA guidance here:
https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/food-allergy/egg-allergy-flu-vaccine