Over the past fifteen years Professor McVernon has contributed to Australians’ health, informing national policy on influenza pandemic preparedness and response, and immunisation . In 2020, she was an invited expert member of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, which advised National Cabinet throughout the COVID-19 response. She was a member of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation for eight years, including contributions to H1N1 and COVID-19 vaccine strategies.

Professor McVernon has grown national and regional capacity for modelling and its use in policy. Her expertise is recognised internationally through membership of World Health Organisation and other advisory groups.