MatterofVax

Immunisation Foundation of Australia
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In this Matter of Vax series we explore diseases less talked about. Matter of Vax provides valuable insights into the significance of vaccines and their positive influence on society. Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information For more of Matter of Vax, visit https://www.ifa.org.au/matterofvax Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate who became a public voice for public awareness about preventable diseases and access to vaccines when her daughter, Lily, narrowly survived meningococcal W strain in 2017. Nine months later her sister, Grace, donated a kidney to help restore Lily’s life. Steph’s advocacy became a collaboration in 2018 with Meningococcal Australia and resulted in Meningococcal vaccination campaigns thanks to the Australian Government Department of Health. Lily’s story quickly resonated with audiences and became a national and international appeal for action. Today Steph continues to advocate through her series Matter of Vax, as she takes a look at topical issues affecting Australian immunisation on video and podcast. The series is available thanks to a collaboration with Immunisation Foundation of Australia and educational grant from GSK Australia. Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel at Myrtle & Pine Studios.

  1. Understanding Mpox with Dr. Gary Grohmann

    07/31/2025

    Understanding Mpox with Dr. Gary Grohmann

    Dr. Gary Grohmann is former Director of Immunobiology and World Health Organization (WHO) Essential Regulatory Laboratories at the Therapeutic Goods Administration.  He currently works as an independent consultant, primarily with WHO on influenza related projects in the Global Influenza Programme and the Essential Medicines Programme. Dr. Grohmann has served on several WHO steering committees. His primary interests are in vaccines, vaccine regulation, medical and veterinary virology, and infectious diseases resulting from contaminated food and water as well as other environmental sources. In this episode, Dr. Grohmann delves into the origins and spread of Mpox, from its discovery in 1970 to its current status as an endemic virus in several African countries. He highlights the recent global outbreak, attributed to new and dangerous strains of the virus, and details the symptoms and transmission of Mpox. Gary also discusses the importance of distinguishing Mpox from other illnesses and the populations most at risk. Furthermore, he outlines the current vaccination strategies and the availability of vaccines, emphasizing the significance of consulting healthcare providers for vaccination recommendations. Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate who became a public voice for public awareness about preventable diseases and access to vaccines when her daughter, Lily, narrowly survived meningococcal W strain in 2017. Nine months later her sister, Grace, donated a kidney to help restore Lily’s life. Steph’s advocacy became a collaboration in 2018 with Meningococcal Australia and resulted in Meningococcal vaccination campaigns thanks to the Australian Government Department of Health. Lily’s story quickly resonated with audiences and became a national and international appeal for action. Today Steph continues to advocate through her series Matter of Vax, as she takes a look at topical issues affecting Australian immunisation on video and podcast. The series is available thanks to a collaboration with Immunisation Foundation of Australia and educational grant from GSK Australia. Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel at Myrtle & Pine Studios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    11 min
  2. Vaccine Development and Safety with Professor Nicholas Wood

    07/31/2025

    Vaccine Development and Safety with Professor Nicholas Wood

    Nicholas Wood is a General Paediatrician, Senior Staff Specialist and Associate Director, Clinical Research and Services at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), where he heads the Clinical Research, AusVaxSafety and Paediatric Active Enhanced Disease Surveillance (PAEDS) programs. Nick is a Professor in the Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health at the University of Sydney. He leads the NSW Immunisation Specialist Service. He is a senior investigator on the Primary Health Network Immunisation Support Program. Nick is interested in maternal and neonatal immunisation, as well as research into vaccine safety, including genetics and long-term outcomes of adverse events following immunisation In this episode, Professor Wood delves into the comprehensive journey of vaccine development, from initial stages of identifying the target virus or bacteria to extensive pre-clinical and clinical trials. He explains the approval process through regulatory body, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and the importance of post-market safety monitoring systems. The discussion also addresses public concerns, including vaccine hesitancy and vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the robust safety measures in place to ensure public health. Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate who became a public voice for public awareness about preventable diseases and access to vaccines when her daughter, Lily, narrowly survived meningococcal W strain in 2017. Nine months later her sister, Grace, donated a kidney to help restore Lily’s life. Steph’s advocacy became a collaboration in 2018 with Meningococcal Australia and resulted in Meningococcal vaccination campaigns thanks to the Australian Government Department of Health. Lily’s story quickly resonated with audiences and became a national and international appeal for action. Today Steph continues to advocate through her series Matter of Vax, as she takes a look at topical issues affecting Australian immunisation on video and podcast. The series is available thanks to a collaboration with Immunisation Foundation of Australia and educational grant from GSK Australia. Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel at Myrtle & Pine Studios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min
  3. Understanding Measles and Vaccination with Professor Christopher Blyth

    07/31/2025

    Understanding Measles and Vaccination with Professor Christopher Blyth

    Professor Christopher Blyth has nearly two decades experience in clinical paediatric and infectious diseases research. He is a clinical academic, NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow and Director of Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases; Telethon Kids Institute [TKI]). He is Professor of Paediatrics with the School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, a Paediatric Infectious Diseases Physician at Perth Children's Hospital (PCH). Professor Blyth was appointed as a member of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) in 2012, serving until December 2021 and has been instrumental in a number of significant changes in national immunisation policy. In this episode, we delve into the re-emergence of measles in Australia, exploring its symptoms, spread, and the critical importance of vaccination. Professor Blyth provides insightful explanations on the high transmissibility of measles, the effectiveness of the measles vaccine, and common myths surrounding it. We also discuss the current challenges in keeping vaccination rates high, particularly in the face of public health disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine hesitancy. Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate who became a public voice for public awareness about preventable diseases and access to vaccines when her daughter, Lily, narrowly survived meningococcal W strain in 2017. Nine months later her sister, Grace, donated a kidney to help restore Lily’s life. Steph’s advocacy became a collaboration in 2018 with Meningococcal Australia and resulted in Meningococcal vaccination campaigns thanks to the Australian Government Department of Health. Lily’s story quickly resonated with audiences and became a national and international appeal for action. Today Steph continues to advocate through her series Matter of Vax, as she takes a look at topical issues affecting Australian immunisation on video and podcast. The series is available thanks to a collaboration with Immunisation Foundation of Australia and educational grant from GSK Australia. Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel at Myrtle & Pine Studios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    19 min
  4. When meningococcal strikes with Lily O'Connell

    07/31/2025

    When meningococcal strikes with Lily O'Connell

    Lily, a young woman in her early twenties and a student pursuing her second degree, recounts her harrowing experience in 2017 when she became critically ill with meningococcal disease. She discusses the initial symptoms, the rapid escalation of her condition, and her journey through intensive care and subsequent dialysis. The story highlights the importance of vaccinations and raises awareness about organ donation, emphasizing the need for families to have crucial conversations about their wishes. Despite the ordeal, Lily’s resilience shines through, and her advocacy work continues to impact many lives. And it's personal for host, as Lily's mother is host Steph O'Connell.   Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate who became a public voice for public awareness about preventable diseases and access to vaccines when her daughter, Lily, narrowly survived meningococcal W strain in 2017. Nine months later her sister, Grace, donated a kidney to help restore Lily’s life. Steph’s advocacy became a collaboration in 2018 with Meningococcal Australia and resulted in Meningococcal vaccination campaigns thanks to the Australian Government Department of Health. Lily’s story quickly resonated with audiences and became a national and international appeal for action. Today Steph continues to advocate through her series Matter of Vax, as she takes a look at topical issues affecting Australian immunisation on video and podcast. The series is available thanks to a collaboration with Immunisation Foundation of Australia and educational grant from GSK Australia. Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel at Myrtle & Pine Studios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
  5. Vaccine Advocacy with Catherine Hughes

    07/31/2025

    Vaccine Advocacy with Catherine Hughes

    Catherine Hughes, a passionate immunisation advocate, recounts her personal story of loss and her mission to combat vaccine-preventable diseases. After losing her son, Riley, to whooping cough in 2015, Catherine's immunisation advocacy has led to the establishment of the Immunisation Foundation of Australia and an inspiring impact on immunisation in Australia that continues to save lives today. With insightful discussions on whooping cough and the benefits of greater access to immunisation, this episode highlights the crucial role of personal stories in public health and the relentless fight against misinformation. Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate who became a public voice for public awareness about preventable diseases and access to vaccines when her daughter, Lily, narrowly survived meningococcal W strain in 2017. Nine months later her sister, Grace, donated a kidney to help restore Lily’s life. Steph’s advocacy became a collaboration in 2018 with Meningococcal Australia and resulted in Meningococcal vaccination campaigns thanks to the Australian Government Department of Health. Lily’s story quickly resonated with audiences and became a national and international appeal for action. Today Steph continues to advocate through her series Matter of Vax, as she takes a look at topical issues affecting Australian immunisation on video and podcast. The series is available thanks to a collaboration with Immunisation Foundation of Australia and educational grant from GSK Australia. Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel at Myrtle & Pine Studios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    27 min
  6. Hepatitis with Nafisa Yussf

    07/18/2024

    Hepatitis with Nafisa Yussf

    In this episode of Matter of Vax, host Steph O'Connell discusses the critical issue of hepatitis with public health professional Nafisa Yussf. They delve into the causes, modes of transmission, and prevention of various types of hepatitis, particularly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The discussion highlights the significant impact hepatitis has on communities, especially in Australia, and emphasises the importance of awareness, testing, vaccination, and culturally appropriate community engagement. Nafisa also shares insights on addressing stigma and the need for more resources to support hepatitis prevention and care. Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate with 25 years’ experience in communications and health communications. She became a public voice for vaccinations when her daughter, Lily (23), narrowly survived W strain of Meningococcal on Christmas Day, 2017. Nine months later her sister, Grace, donated a kidney that has since transformed Lily’s life.  Steph’s advocacy for immunisation awareness and vaccination became a collaboration in 2018 with Meningococcal Australia and resulted in Meningococcal vaccination campaigns by the Australian Government Department of Health and NSW Health. Lily’s story quickly resonated with audiences and became a national and international appeal for awareness, education and vaccination.  Steph’s work expanded during the pandemic and today she continues to advocate for improved access to vaccines, public education for lifelong vaccination behaviour and policy reform. MatterofVax, in collaboration with Immunisation Foundation of Australia takes a look at topical immunisation issues on video and podcast.  Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel, for Immunisation Foundation of Australia.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    13 min
  7. Vaccination in Pregnancy with Prof. Michelle Giles

    07/18/2024

    Vaccination in Pregnancy with Prof. Michelle Giles

    Matter of Vax - Pregnancy and Vaccines with Dr. Michelle Giles In this episode, host Steph O'Connell talks with Dr. Michelle Giles, an infectious diseases expert specialising in pregnancy. Their discussion covers the ins and outs of vaccines before, during, and after pregnancy, including pre-pregnancy health checks and vaccines given to mothers to protect newborns. This episode is a must-listen for anyone planning a pregnancy, expecting, or caring for a newborn and includes discuss on vaccines against chickenpox, rubella, influenza, whooping cough, and COVID-19.  Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate with 25 years’ experience in communications and health communications. She became a public voice for vaccinations when her daughter, Lily (23), narrowly survived W strain of Meningococcal on Christmas Day, 2017. Nine months later her sister, Grace, donated a kidney that has since transformed Lily’s life.  Steph’s advocacy for immunisation awareness and vaccination became a collaboration in 2018 with Meningococcal Australia and resulted in Meningococcal vaccination campaigns by the Australian Government Department of Health and NSW Health. Lily’s story quickly resonated with audiences and became a national and international appeal for awareness, education and vaccination.  Steph’s work expanded during the pandemic and today she continues to advocate for improved access to vaccines, public education for lifelong vaccination behaviour and policy reform. MatterofVax, in collaboration with Immunisation Foundation of Australia takes a look at topical immunisation issues on video and podcast.  Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel, for Immunisation Foundation of Australia.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    20 min
  8. Travel Vaccines with Dr Deb Mills

    07/18/2024

    Travel Vaccines with Dr Deb Mills

    Travel can expose you to new health risks and knowing what those risks are and how to prevent them could be the difference between a good holiday or bad and in some case, between life and death. Dr Deb Mills has a passion for medicine and travel. She is the medical director of Dr Deb THE Travel Doctor, and has been working in travel medicine for over 25 years. She is one of the pioneers of Travel Medicine in Australia. She is a researcher and author of Travelling Well a must have guide enjoying good health while you travel. Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate with 25 years’ experience in communications and health communications. She became a public voice for vaccinations when her daughter, Lily (23), narrowly survived W strain of Meningococcal on Christmas Day, 2017. Nine months later her sister, Grace, donated a kidney that has since transformed Lily’s life.  Steph’s advocacy for immunisation awareness and vaccination became a collaboration in 2018 with Meningococcal Australia and resulted in Meningococcal vaccination campaigns by the Australian Government Department of Health and NSW Health. Lily’s story quickly resonated with audiences and became a national and international appeal for awareness, education and vaccination.  Steph’s work expanded during the pandemic and today she continues to advocate for improved access to vaccines, public education for lifelong vaccination behaviour and policy reform. MatterofVax, in collaboration with Immunisation Foundation of Australia takes a look at topical immunisation issues on video and podcast.  Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel, for Immunisation Foundation of Australia.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    19 min
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About

In this Matter of Vax series we explore diseases less talked about. Matter of Vax provides valuable insights into the significance of vaccines and their positive influence on society. Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information For more of Matter of Vax, visit https://www.ifa.org.au/matterofvax Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate who became a public voice for public awareness about preventable diseases and access to vaccines when her daughter, Lily, narrowly survived meningococcal W strain in 2017. Nine months later her sister, Grace, donated a kidney to help restore Lily’s life. Steph’s advocacy became a collaboration in 2018 with Meningococcal Australia and resulted in Meningococcal vaccination campaigns thanks to the Australian Government Department of Health. Lily’s story quickly resonated with audiences and became a national and international appeal for action. Today Steph continues to advocate through her series Matter of Vax, as she takes a look at topical issues affecting Australian immunisation on video and podcast. The series is available thanks to a collaboration with Immunisation Foundation of Australia and educational grant from GSK Australia. Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel at Myrtle & Pine Studios.

Information

  • Creator
    Immunisation Foundation of Australia
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 IFA
  • Show Website
    MatterofVax