Grass pollen allergy affects up to three million Australians with hay fever and asthma. Despite the high prevalence and burden of hay fever and asthma, recently highlighted by the tragic thunderstorm asthma epidemic, Australia is one of the few developed countries without national pollen monitoring.

More targeted tests and treatments for grass pollen allergy would reduce the burden of hay fever and asthma for Australian teenagers. Being better informed about levels and timing grass pollen levels in the air would also help people with allergies better manage their hay fever and asthma.