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.

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 whooping cough.

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.

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 recent advancements in preventative measures, including new vaccines and monoclonal antibodies aimed at reducing RSV-related hospitalisations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 postherpetic neuralgia and eye complications

He discusses two vaccines available in Australia, Zoster and Shingrix, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each and ways to protect oneself against shingles.

Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information

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.

Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel, for Immunisation Foundation of Australia.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 recommendations and government funding. They also touch on the eligibility criteria for vaccines and the involvement of various healthcare providers. Dr. Pearce emphasises the importance of public discussion and awareness regarding vaccines that are recommended but not funded. The episode provides insights into the NIP's evolution and challenges.

Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information

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.

Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel, for Immunisation Foundation of Australia.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 preventing infection and related diseases. The vaccine has had a significant impact in Australia and globally, reducing genital warts and cervical precancerous cases. It also protects against other HPV-related cancers, such as anal and head and neck cancers. Professor Julia Brotherton highlights the importance of the vaccine in preventing cancer, its efficacy and successful implementation worldwide.

Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information

For more episodes 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.