MatterofVax

MatterofVax

In this Matter of Vax series we explore diseases less talked about. We unpack five of the big, potentially devastating, vaccine preventable diseases that we all need to know more about: meningococcal, pneumococcal, HPV, influenza and shingles. The series features conversations with experts including Professor Julia Brotherton, who emphasizes the safety and efficacy of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Professor Robert Booy about pneumococcal and meningococcal diseases and Dr. Rod Pearce, chair of the Immunisation Coalition and former member of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), who discusses the National Immunisation Program (NIP) in Australia and Professor Chris Blyth speaks on the importance of influenza prevention each year. 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 5, 2023 10 mins

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 restri...

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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 preventi...

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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 recommendat...

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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 ...

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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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