MatterofVax

MatterofVax

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 Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate with 25 years’ experience in strategic 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. Listen to Matter of Vax on Apple. Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel, for Immunisation Foundation of Australia.

Episodes

July 18, 2024 19 mins

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, expe...

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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, testi...

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July 18, 2024 14 mins

In this episode of Matter of Vax, Steph O'Connell discusses the highly infectious Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) with Dr. Nusrat Homaira, a paediatric respiratory epidemiologist. They explore how RSV predominantly impacts children under two, leading to severe conditions in infants and posing risks to the elderly. The discussion highlights the distinctions between RSV and influenza, the burden on healthcare systems, and the recen...

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In this episode of 'Matter of Vax' Professor Tom Snelling, Director of Health and Clinical Analytics, University of Sydney, joins host Steph O'Connell to discuss discuss the resurgence of whooping cough (pertussis), its causes, symptoms, and the importance of immunisation. The episode emphasises the significance of vaccinations, particularly during pregnancy, and booster doses for both children and adults to prevent severe cases of...

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July 18, 2024 19 mins

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 res...

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In this podcast episode of Matter of Vax, Professor Christopher Blyth joins host Stephanie O'Connell to discuss influenza and its impact on public health. He highlights the significant decrease in influenza cases and deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic due to preventive measures such as vaccinations, travel restrictions, quarantine, hand hygiene, and mask-wearing.

Professor Blyth predicts a significant flu season in 2023 as restric...

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In this episode of "Matter of Vax" podcast, host Steph O'Connell interviews Professor Julia Brotherton, a public health physician and professor of cancer prevention policy and implementation. They discuss the human papillomavirus (HPV), its link to cancers, the importance of vaccination and its impact on cervical cancer’s global footprint.

The HPV vaccine, developed by Australian scientists, has proven highly effective in preventin...

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In this episode Steph speaks with Dr. Rod Pearce, the Chair of the Immunisation Coalition and former member of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). They discuss the National Immunisation Program (NIP) in Australia, its history, how vaccines are included and how vital the program is for all of us.

They highlight the complex process of funding and decision-making, with tensions between medical recommendati...

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July 5, 2023 10 mins

In this episode of the Matter of Vax podcast, host Steph O'Connell discusses shingles and vaccines with guest Dr. Paul Van Buynder, a public health physician and professor in the School of Medicine at Griffith University. Shingles is a common and painful condition that affects a large number of Australians each year, especially those over the age of 50. Dr. Van Buynder explains the long-term consequences of shingles, including post...

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In this episode of Matter of Vax Podcast, host Steph O'Connell interviews Professor Robert Booy about pneumococcal and meningococcal diseases. Pneumococcal and meningococcal are caused by a bacterium that can quickly lead to serious disease including pneumonia, meningitis and septicemia. Vaccination is critical for prevention.

Professor Booy emphasizes the importance of implementing routine vaccination for all at-risk individuals t...

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In this episode of MatterofVax, we’re joined by Assoc. Professor Dr Anthony Byrne, a Thoracic Physician at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney and a researcher with the University of New South Wales, to talk about the long-term effects of COVID-19. 

MatterofVax is brought to you by ghlf.org.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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October 18, 2021 9 mins

On this episode of MatterofVax, we’re joined by Dr Sasha Richardson, ICU intensivist at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, to talk about the relentless demand for beds in ICU due to COVID-19. The last wave of the pandemic led to the deaths of over 800 people in Victoria. We ask: What’s different this year?  MatterofVax is brought to you by ghlf.org.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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October 18, 2021 13 mins

In this episode we talk to Renza Scibilia. A diabetes advocate, international speaker and media spokesperson for most of her life. We chat about how Health organisation's navigate putting out information on how to co-exist with COVID. How can patients navigate the maze of messaging and overcome the uncertainty that is leading, in some cases, to a lack of confidence in vaccination and the health system?   MatterofVax ...

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Then there were three. We start with the tough questions about COVID vaccines on everyone’s lips then ask; “should we have a choice of vaccine ?” We broach the new subject of booster shots for immune compromised patients. Is that a priority for Australia now FDA has approved in the US? With flu season here, meningococcal season next, is Australia keeping pace with vaccine schedules ? What impact could the COVID-19...

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It’s easy enough to find yourself at risk in a pandemic. For so many patients, caregivers, family and friends, managing that risk is already a way of life. But with COVID-19 the risk has amplified and begs the question about life in future for patients and those at higher risk. 

We talk to Professor Greg Dore, an Infectious Diseases Physician, at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia, to find out who is at risk ...

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